Research Strategy - the dpsa

1 DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 1 GUIDE FOR THE Research AGENDA, PROTOCOLS AND TOOLS, TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFICACY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FINAL DRAFT This draft was endorsed by the Public Administration Research Forum on 26 June 2015 and by the Governance and Administration Cluster on 03 September 2015 Department of Public Service and Administration Research Strategy September 2015 DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 2 CONTENTS PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION The NDP Social Vision through the Medium Term Strategic Framework ( 2015-2019) The african Charter The Ministerial Priorities based on the MTSF : Outcome 12 3 3 6 6 2.

2 PROBLEM STATEMENT WHY Research MATTERS 3. PURPOSE OF THE Research IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE 6 7 4. THE CONTEXT FOR Research AND PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS Collaboration between the Public Administration Research and Evaluation Required Research and Evaluation Competencies for the Senior Management Service 7 9 9 5. THE ROLE OF THE Research COMMUNITY 6. RATIONALE FOR THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Research Strategy Four Research Focus Areas 7. COLLABORATION IN THE Research SPACE 9 11 13 16 8. SOUTH african PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PERFORMANCE AND GOVERNANCE INDEX (SAPAPGI) 9. CONCLUSION 17 17 DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 3 1. Introduction After just over two decades of our democracy , a cursory assessment on progress within the South african Public Administration as highlighted within the diagnostics of the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP), indicates that we arguably are amongst the countries internationally, with the most well thought through public policies to address our obligations towards our citizens, as well as, endeavors to run an efficient administration.

3 However, the efficacy of the implementation thereof, as well as the strategies to tackle our challenges, requires development and empirical Research to provide appropriate solutions for evolving reforms in public administration. Therefore an identified urgent need for the Public Service is to focus on the lessons learnt from the local and international better practice with respect to implementation and the causality thereof of the public administration sciences. It must be noted that classical theory on Public Administration as an academic discourse is taught at universities, but it does not in anyway translate to public administration as a contemporary functionality of how systems, processes, structures, workforce and governance thereof must evolve to ensure sustainability and continuity management.

4 The Department of Public Service and Administration, together with the National School of Government, has noted that the critical success factors for the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) are largely premised on the continual availability of solid evidence based Research data for decision making in planning, policy, practice and capacity development, within all the NDP priority areas which impact directly on improving Public Administration and keeping the system relevant to an ever changing 21st century. The Social Vision - The NDP and Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF 2015-20) The critical success factors for the NDP are all largely premised on the policy choices made as well as the improving the efficiency and effectiveness of implementation and governance with respect to strategic state capability.

5 The NDP points through a cogent diagnostics, targeted priority areas which we need to address from 2014 until 2030. Government has to do scenario planning and inter alia partner with relevant organisations both locally and internationally, including academic institutions, in order to raise the level of Research and development. Public servant managers will have to include Research skills in their basic repertoire, targeted towards building the Research infrastructure required by DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 4 a modern public administration. The very existence of the National Planning Commission (NPC) in terms of its mandate is premised inter alia on the NPC putting forward defensible Research , evidence and clear recommendations for the government and public administration working with the broader society to draw on the best expertise, consulting relevant stakeholders and helping shape a consensus on how to tackle the key challenges facing our country.

6 The above approach of the NPC informs and guides the ideas and approach of the Research Strategy , as it seeks to foster collaborations and partnerships with selected stakeholders in the Research field in the achievement of the NDP objectives especially on building a capable and developmental state. These objectives from chapters 13 and 14 of the NDP which have been prioritised are: A stable political-administrative interface; A public service that is a career of choice; Sufficient technical and specialist professional skills; Efficient and effective management and operations systems; Procurement systems that deliver value for money; Strengthened accountability to citizens; Improved intergovernmental coordination and institutionalisation of long term planning; Improved mechanisms to promote ethical behaviour in the public service.

7 This Strategy is a joint effort between the Department for Public Services and Administration (DPSA) and the National School of Government (NSG) and sets out the Public Administration vision for Research and policy analysis for the period (2015-2020) and encompasses the following: Collective institutional efforts in generating knowledge and disseminating cogent policy advice through Research which impacts on national development and the realisation of our Constitutional vision; Bringing evidence and expertise to impact on public policy challenges; Communicating and highlighting timely policy implications arising from public administration Research ; Designing capacity building initiatives from case studies which improve the functioning of the public administration both efficiently and effectively; and DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 5 Institutionalising Research and policy analysis as a job role competency for all Senior Management Members.

8 This Strategy is based on a number of established principles which will guide our Research activities which are as follows: Focus on Research activities on approved areas highlighted within the MTSF and NDP which respond to government s development agenda; Encompass multi-levels of engagement and communicate our recommendations appropriately through our principals; Focus on evidenced based Research which influences policy, planning, practice and capacity building; Uphold values that are ethical, honest, objective, reliable, valid, accountable and transparent; and Collaborate and support Research networks and partnerships where appropriate and in the interest of government. The key aims of this Strategy are to translate credible Research findings and recommendations into influential policy decisions insofar as they impact on public administration; further develop the public administration as a credible source of high quality Research and analytics which inform policy and implementation oversight to ensure an equitable and efficient use of resources across government and establish the Public Administration as a hub for dialogue and debate on current NDP issues, as well as those pertaining to the long-term evolution of the public administration system.

9 The abovementioned priorities as further detailed in the MTSF 2015-20 will therefore guide the following four Public Administration Research Focus Areas of collaboration and partnerships with the selected stakeholders who are active in the Research field: FOUR Research FOCUS AREAS FOR THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION I. Implementing Strategic Public Governance Capability; II. Ensuring an Efficient and Effective System through Operational Processes; III. Strengthening Vertical and Horizontal Accountability through norms and standards; and IV. Professionalising the Public Service through skills and ethics. A more detailed Annual Implementation Plan will be published separately based on prioritised projects which are driven by capacity and resources available.

10 DRAFT Research Strategy 2015 6 The Africa Public Service Charter (the Charter) Article 21 of the Charter on capacity development states as follows: State Parties shall undertake a systematic, comprehensive and evidence-based capacity development programmes to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of Public Service and Administration. State Parties shall collaborate with Management Development and Research Institutions as well as leveraging knowledge networks to strengthen capacities of public service agents. State Parties shall provide working tools and create conducive working environment for the application of new knowledge within the limits of available resources. State Parties shall put in place mechanisms and processes for the exchange of expertise, knowledge, information, technology and best practices in capacity enhancement of Public Service and Administration.