IIAS: What is it?
The International Institute of Administrative Sciences is an International Association with Scientific Purpose whose seat is in Brussels. As a non-governmental international organisation its activities are centred on the study of public administration and it provides a forum in which comparative studies – including both practical experiences and theoretical analyses of experts in public administration worldwide and from all cultures – are presented and discussed. The Institute is interested in all questions related to contemporary public administration at the national and international level.
IIAS: What is our role?
Established in 1930, the Institute is almost 80 years old. In spite of its respectable age, the IIAS is focussed on the future. Specifically and to summarize, the Institute aims to promote the development of the administrative sciences, to improve the organisation and operation of public administrations at all levels, as well as to develop effective administrative methods and techniques. Lastly, the IIAS contributes to the progress of governance within international administrations.
IIAS: What are its values?
Accountability, international focus, absolute neutrality – these are the primary values of the Institute. Those who exercise authority must account for its use to citizens. Public administration is the central activity that links governments to people. We believe that it should be effective, efficient and economical. We support modern governance and proper public administration. We believe and affirm that public administration should be carried out in a balanced perspective while respecting the diversity, identity and convictions of citizens.
IIAS: How does the Institute work?
A small, dynamic and pluri-lingual team ensures the operation of the Directorate General in Brussels under the supervision of the Director General. The latter is placed under the authority of the President and Executive Committee of IIAS which are in turn accountable to a fully representative Council of Administration.
Each year IIAS:
- holds three conferences in three different countries around the world
- is host for seven-hundreds plus delegates
- publishes +/- 10 books
- publishes four issues of its prestigious International Review of Administrative Sciences (in three editions English, French and Arabic)
- manages a budget of approximately 1 million Euros.
- leads and coordinates activities among its ninety Member States and National Sections
The Institute has two specialised sub-entities
each of which conducts study, research and networking.
The Institute’s website, entirely modernised, receives many thousand ‘hits’ per month and provides a complete panorama of our present and future activities.