Call for Papers: IPSA RC27 'Structure and Organization of Government' 2025 International Workshop

Introduction

The traditional approach to state intervention—relying on coercive measures and compulsory compliance—has historically been effective and played a significant role in the expansion of the administrative state throughout the 20th century. However, this model has also contributed to growing public dissatisfaction and a widening disconnect between the state and its citizens. To address this issue, a shift from a government-centric model to a governance-oriented paradigm appears necessary. This transition is guided by contemporary perspectives that link government transparency, the reduction of administrative burdens, and the reinforcement of democratic values with increased public trust. In essence, the administrative state must forge stronger connections with citizens to enhance its responsiveness and legitimacy. Normatively, this means making institutions more attuned to citizens’ needs and aspirations; practically, it involves creating and strengthening mechanisms for accountability, participation, transparency, and representation.

Rebuilding the bond between citizens and the administrative state is more urgent than ever in a world increasingly marked by crisis. Existential threats—ranging from climate change and pandemics to geopolitical conflict, technological disruption, and social fragmentation—challenge our collective survival. At the same time, democratic institutions are under growing attack, authoritarianism is on the rise, and liberal values are being increasingly questioned. These forces are reshaping how we understand the role and responsibilities of the administrative state.

In this context, the administrative state plays a vital role in assessing and managing complex risks by gathering information, setting standards, and influencing behavior. However, during times of crisis, public disaffection with the administrative state presents a significant obstacle to delivering legitimate and effective responses. Navigating an evolving political landscape only adds to this challenge. Rebuilding citizen trust is therefore essential to restoring this critical connection. To build trust in a rapidly changing world, the administrative state must reduce bureaucratic barriers that hinder citizen engagement with state institutions and their delegated actors. Additionally, leveraging digital tools to streamline these connections is becoming increasingly important within a modern governance framework.

Workshop aims and thematic lines

The workshop aims to explore the extent to which the administrative state enhances citizen trust—both interpersonal trust and trust in public institutions and services—in contexts where multiple threats across geographical, functional, and organizational boundaries challenge societies globally. It also seeks to examine how the administrative state enhances trust, with whom it does so, and the factors that explain its role in this process. The workshop takes a distinctly organizational perspective, exploring both theoretically and empirically the characteristics and capabilities of government organizations to anticipate, manage, and adapt to socio-political, economic, and environmental challenges, all while fostering citizen trust.

We invite a broad range of papers addressing issues related to trust and public administration, particularly those exploring the connection between citizens and the administrative state. Submissions may include case studies, comparative approaches, experiments, or theoretical discussions. The proposed SOG workshop embraces a plurality of theories and methods, welcoming both theoretical and empirical papers, whether descriptive or explanatory. We especially welcome submissions with a strong conceptual and/or theoretical foundation and a well-suited methodological approach. Comparative papers that address research questions across time, national boundaries, types of public sector organizations, or areas of public policy are particularly encouraged.

Thematically, we seek contributions broadly addressing any of the following topics:

• Varieties of citizens’ trust in public administration

• Interpersonal trust within policy areas and regulatory regimes

• Accountability and trust in public institutions

• Inter-administrative relations and trust exchanges

• Citizens’ participatory dynamics in public administration

• The role of transparency in public policy and public management

• Representative bureaucracy facing growing social diversity

• Trust and legitimacy in times of crisis: governance lessons 

• Authoritarianism and its effects on trust in public administration

• Connecting trust and accountability in public settings

• Trust in public administration from a comparative global perspective

• Administrative burdens: opportunities and challenges for the administrative state

• The administrative state and citizen trust in a digital era 

Call for papers

The workshop offers a collegial environment that fosters in-depth discussions among peers, providing ample time for exchanges between panellists and participants. To maintain this focus, the workshop is limited to around 30 participants in active roles as panellists, along with chairs and discussants. There is no conference fee for attending the workshop. 

Ground expenses, including meals during the conference and up to two nights of accommodation, will be covered for all presenters and active participants.  

Paper presentations will be organized in appropriate panels with designated discussants for each paper. When you submit an abstract, you should also indicate your willingness to be a discussant for another paper. 

Please submit your paper abstract including the following information: 

1. Personal details 

1. Name(s) of author(s) 
2. Institutional affiliation 
3. Contact details of author(s) 

2. Paper abstract (300 words max.): 

Please provide details of your proposed paper, including title, research questions, conceptual/theoretical approach and methodological orientation as well as expected contribution to the thematic focus of the workshop. 

Important dates: 

• Deadline for submission of abstracts: June 15, 2025 

• Notification of authors about the result of the call for papers: June 27, 2025

• Submission of full papers: November 15, 2025 

• SOG workshop: December 4-5, 2024 

Submissions, based on an abstract of no more than 300 words, should be made directly to the workshop email ([email protected]).

Organizational matters and practicalities 

Host institution 

The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a highly prestigious public research university located in Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1990, it is known for its academic rigor, innovation, and international outlook. UPF consistently ranks among the top universities in Spain and Europe, with strengths in fields such as economics, law, political science, communication, and the health and life sciences. The university fosters a multidisciplinary approach to education and research, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and societal impact. Its urban campus and diverse academic community make it a dynamic hub for students and researchers alike. 

Location and workshop venue 

The Ciutadella Campus is one of the main campuses of Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, located near the historic Ciutadella Park and the city's coastline. It is home to the university’s social sciences and humanities faculties, including departments such as economics, law, political science, and communication. The campus features modern facilities, libraries, and research centres, creating a dynamic academic environment. Its central location offers easy access to Barcelona’s cultural and urban attractions, making it a vibrant hub for students and scholars.

Preliminary programme

Day 1 Thursday, December 4, 2025

08h30 – 09h00 Registration

09h00 – 09h30 Welcome/introduction

09h30 – 11h00 Panel 1

11h00 – 11h30 Coffee/tea break

11h30 – 13h00 Panel 2

13h00 – 14h00 Lunch

14h00 – 15h30 Panel 3

15h30 – 16h00 Coffee/tea break

16h00 – 17h30 Panel 4

Day 2 Friday, December 5, 2025

09h00 – 10h30 Panel 5

10h30 – 11h00 Coffee/tea break

11h00 – 12h30 Panel 6

12h30 – 13h30 Lunch

13h30 – 15h00 Closing session

Workshop conveners: Jacint Jordana and Juan Carlos Triviño-Salazar

Contact: [email protected]

This workshop is made possible with generous support from Wiley Publishing and the Catalan Government’s ICREA