Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era
Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era is part of The Swedish Institute (SI) Summer Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP). The module is a two-week intense training programme led by researchers and teachers from Halmstad University. It is developed to build and strengthen participants’ capacity to contribute to change in the orgnisations they work for. This program offers a transformative two-week learning experience for young policymakers, public servants, and civil society actors from Western Balkans (Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro).
”Lecturers from Halmstad University have been very dedicated and open in sharing their experiences. I really appreciated discussions on updated topics and project preparation with the group.”
Zelfije Osmani, alumni from Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era
Programme overview
The module “Collaborative Governance in a Digital Era” prepares participants to excel in a public administration landscape highly influenced by international governance trends and technological development. At the same time, it offers participants a chance to critically reflect upon those trends by accessing cutting-edge research that challenges some of the normative assumptions driving these trends.
The module engages with theory and practice related to cooperation, coordination and collaboration as a specific governance mode that differs from those that formed the modern public administration organization. Starting from the classical division between bureaucracy, market and network as governing modes, and modern perspectives on networks within multi-level governance systems, it lets participants share knowledge on how these translate to settings characterized by relatively new state formation and small political systems.
SAYP is a comprehensive training programme organised by Swedish universities, designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among participants. We aim to empower young leaders with the tools and insights to drive positive change in their regions.
Contents
During the online week, each day include 3.5 hours of in-class time, generally held in the afternoon, with possibilities for follow-ups in small groups during the evening or the next morning.
During the on-site week, days are generally fully scheduled with class discussions, study visits and group work on the premises of the University.
A series of guest speakers will add to the applied perspectives.
The course ends with a final concluding session where experiences are connected and forms for future contacts established.

Above, Halmstad city center.
Key highlights
- Collaborative governance: explore innovative approaches to collective governance, examining the intersection of bureaucracy, market dynamics and networked structures.
- Digital transformation: discover the latest trends and technologies shaping public administration in the digital age. Learn how to harness technology for governance effectively.
- Networking and knowledge sharing: connect with peers and experts in the field, building valuable relationships and exchanging ideas to address common challenges.
Benefits of participation
- Comprehensive learning experience: experience an engaging learning ambiance with interactive sessions, guest lectures, study visits and group projects.
- Professional development: develop your leadership abilities, build a wider professional network, and gain real-world insights to drive meaningful change in your community.
Application
Applications are closed until further notice.

Participants in the course in 2023.
Best practice
Halmstad University adhere to the best-practice of previous and current successful SAYP modules hosted by other higher educations institutions in Sweden.
More information
The University supports the democratisation in Western Balkans
SAYP in Eastern Europe: Policy Integration and Transparency Practices in a Digital Era
Testimonials from participants in previous modules:
Snežana Pantelić, 2023:“The knowledge gained at the course is already at use during ongoing negotiations”
Bozina Stesevic, 2023: “Engaging with researchers and exchanging experiences with fellow participants was invaluable”
Atilla Rexha, 2022:
“An incredibly valuable and rewarding experience”
Eni Zylyftari, 2021:
"Great Content and it got my attention straight away"
Zelfije Osmani, 2021:
"Digitalisation in public governance can be an effective action against the corruption in Albania."
Hysmir Idrizi, alumni from 2022