Interdisciplinary short-cycle/module local programmes in the field of public policy – including curriculum development, capacity building for universities and other actors in the public and private sectors, as well as for experts, are designed and implemented at universities in Serbia within the PPMP Erasmus+ Project “Interdisciplinary short-cycle programme in the field of Public Policy Making and Analysis (PPMA)”. The goal is to organize and implement modern courses (according to EU standards) within the Lifelong Learning Platform for postgraduate students and workers.
The training is also planned for public administration officials and others who participate in public policy making and analysis, in order to enable them to become agents of change in a modernized public service with a focus on citizens.
One of the key elements of the Public Administration Reform Strategy, launched in 2014, is the introduction of the concept of public policy making and systematic planning into the public administration work. Since there are no study programmes in Serbia that would cover the entire spectrum of fields necessary for quality work in public policy, there is a need to strengthen analytical capacities in the public sector.
This project should be used for curriculum development, local capacity building in non-EU member countries, programme accreditation and implementation of two-year joint courses, in cooperation with EU institutions. The results would be prepared and implemented in about 16 courses, and two generations of students would be trained. Short-cycle programmes will eventually develop into a master’s programme in the field of public policy.