The Tampere model: An example of implementation of the New Public Governance idea Cover Image

Model Tampere – przykład realizacji idei nowego współzarządzania publicznego
The Tampere model: An example of implementation of the New Public Governance idea

Author(s): Katarzyna Radzik-Maruszak
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Geography, Regional studies, Governance, Public Administration
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: Tampere; New Public Governance; leadership; services; participation

Summary/Abstract: In many European countries local governments, in particular on the municipal level, search for new solutions to improve the governing process. The aim of this paper is to present an innovative model, based on the idea of New Public Governance management, which operates in the city of Tampere, situated in southern Finland. Introduced in 2007, the model is based on three main pillars – strong leadership, effective and responsible service provision, and citizen involvement in the decision-making process. The paper describes each of these elements and indicates its practical advantages and disadvantages. The analysis has been conducted on the basis of official city documents and interviews conducted with experts in Finnish local government as well as leading local politicians from Tampere. In conclusion, it is pointed out that although the Tampere model should certainly be labelled as innovative, the solutions adopted generate some difficulties. These include tensions between politicians and administrators as well as problems related to the coordination of city services and the attitude of politicians and administrators towards citizen participation.

  • Issue Year: 17/2016
  • Issue No: 64
  • Page Range: 110-131
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: English, Polish