The IIAS Annual Conference is the flagship event of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and stands at the core of its scientific activities. Held each year in a different country, the conference brings together scholars, practitioners, and emerging researchers to discuss cutting-edge developments in public administration, governance, and public policy.
In 2026, the IIAS Conference takes place in Seoul, South Korea, on November 17-20. It is co-organized with Konkuk Institute of Health and Aging Society (KIHAS) and has the sponsorship of SK hynix and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The event focuses on the theme of Growth for Society: Collaborative governance, social innovation, and public value. Additional themes are included in the call for papers, abstracts, and panels.
The scientific chairmanship is ensured by Prof. Seung-Bum Yang (Konkuk University) and Prof. Liza C. Van Jaarsveldt (University of South Africa)
The Konkuk Institute of Health and Aging Society (KIHAS) conducts research and policy development to address the challenges of a super-aged society and improve quality of life. The institute focuses on healthy aging, preventive healthcare, age-friendly industries, and sustainable social systems by integrating advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. In collaboration with Konkuk University Hospital and other affiliated organizations, the institute also promotes One Health–based research connecting human, animal, and environmental health. Through partnerships with academia, industry, and the public sector, the institute aims to contribute to innovative solutions for the future of aging societies.
The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to the study and improvement of public administration, headquartered in Brussels. Founded in 1930, it brings together member states, national sections, and academic research centres from around the world to develop comparative governance solutions. Through its global conferences, publications, and accreditation activities, IIAS has established itself as a key forum for advancing administrative excellence and evidence-based public management. The Institute is committed to sustainable institutional development and addressing contemporary societal challenges by promoting good governance, transparency, and capacity-building, while advancing research and practices that support effective public administration worldwide.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is South Korea’s oldest and largest business association, headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 1884, it represents over 180,000 companies of all sizes across every industry and coordinates a network of 73 regional chambers nationwide. As the leading private-sector voice of the Korean economy, KCCI advances commerce, industry, and international economic cooperation through policy advocacy, research, training, and global partnerships. The organization is committed to sustainable growth and addressing societal challenges by promoting regulatory reform, workforce development, and business innovation, while supporting ESG principles and initiatives that strengthen Korea’s competitiveness in the global economy.
SK hynix is committed to delivering greater value to all stakeholders—including customers, partners, investors, local communities, and employees—through its global technology leadership. The company is strengthening its ESG management to create greater social value and achieve sustainable growth, moving beyond a business model focused solely on economic benefits.
As the AI era accelerates, SK hynix is evolving from a memory supplier into a “Full Stack AI Memory Creator.” This reflects the company’s commitment to go beyond meeting customer demands—to become a co-designer, co-architect, and ecosystem partner that drives breakthroughs in AI computing together with its customers.
By integrating advanced DRAM and NAND technologies, SK hynix will continue to build the core value of the AI era through its full-stack AI memory innovations.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) is responsible for general affairs of the State Council, promulgation of Acts and subordinate statutes and treaties, government organization and prescribed number of public officials, awards and decorations, government innovation, administrative efficiency, e-government, personal information protection, management of government buildings and support for elections and referendums.
Furthermore, the MOIS actively promotes local autonomy and decentralization by supporting business, finance and taxation of local governments and mediating disputes among local governments. In addition, the MOIS takes charge of establishing, supervising and adjusting policies related to safety and disaster management such as emergency countermeasure, civil defense and disaster prevention.
The IIAS 2026 Conference focuses on the theme of Growth for Society: Collaborative Governance, social innovation, and public value. We call for additional proposals for inclusion in the call-for-papers
Deadline submission additional calls
Abstract submission opens
Extended Submission deadline
Opening of registrations
Full paper submission & registration deadline
Conference
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Regular participants
IIAS, IASIA and EGPA members
Korean participants
Chairpersons & Board members
Students & accompanying persons
The draft conference programme is constantly being updated and available here.
Chair, Local Organizing Committee, IIAS 2026 Seoul
Vice President for External Affairs, Konkuk University
Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, IIAS
On behalf of the Konkuk Institute of Health and Aging Society, it is my great honor to welcome you to the IIAS 2026 Conference in Seoul.
We convene at a moment when demographic transformation, the climate crisis, technological disruption, and deepening inequality increasingly surpass the capacity of any single sector to address alone. These interlocking challenges call for a new architecture of governance—one in which government, academia, industry, and civil society act not as separate actors, but as co-producers of public value.
This conference is animated by a central conviction: that economic growth and social value need not stand in tension, but can be bound together in a virtuous cycle. Realizing that cycle, however, demands shared principles, credible measurement, and an enduring framework of global collaborative governance—one capable of traveling across borders, sectors, and institutions.
It is in this spirit that we gather in Seoul: to move from declaration to implementation, and to articulate the common standards through which collaborative governance becomes both legitimate and reproducible. I warmly invite you to take part in this dialogue, and I trust that your time in Seoul will prove intellectually rewarding and truly memorable.
IIAS President
Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan
Dear Distinguished Colleagues, Esteemed Guests, and Friends of IIAS,
It is my great honor, as President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences, to extend a warm welcome to our 2026 Annual Conference hosted by Konkuk University in the dynamic city of Seoul, Republic of Korea.
This gathering marks a significant return of IIAS to the Asia-Pacific region following the successful IIAS-Lien Conference in Singapore in 2019. It underscores our commitment to global dialogue and the rich contributions of Asian scholarship and practice to public administration.
Under the compelling theme “Growth for Society: Collaborative Governance, Social Innovation, and Public Value,” we will examine how collaborative models can harness innovation to deliver public value amid global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.
IIAS remains dedicated to fostering inclusive, evidence-based conversations that strengthen governance worldwide. I am confident that the insights shared here will advance our shared mission of building resilient, citizen-centered public institutions.
Thank you for your participation. I look forward to productive discussions and lasting partnerships in Seoul.
Best regards, Voruganti Srinivas
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the IIAS 2026 Annual Conference at Konkuk University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Under the theme “Growth for Society: Collaborative Governance, Social Innovation, and Public Value,” we will explore how public administration can drive inclusive, sustainable progress in an era of rapid technological change, climate challenges, and social transformations.
This conference will delve into the power of partnerships between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to foster social innovation and create lasting public value. We invite critical reflections on enabling regulatory environments, human capital development, ESG frameworks, and the responsible integration of AI and digital tools to address complex societal issues beyond the capacity of any single actor.
As co-chair, I look forward to vibrant exchanges that bridge theory and practice, inspiring actionable insights for governance worldwide. Your contributions will shape discussions that matter for future generations.
Join us in Seoul for inspiring dialogues and meaningful connections. We look forward to welcoming you!
Warm regards, Liza Van Jaarsveldt Conference Co-Chair
Konkuk University
Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Distinguished Guests,
It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the 2026 IIAS Annual Conference in Seoul.
This year, we gather under a timely theme: “Growth for Society: Collaborative Governance, Social Innovation, and Public Value.” Today, the world faces unprecedented crises, from climate change and social inequality to the exponential rise of AI. These complex challenges expose the limitations of government-only responses, demanding a transformation in public administration.
Because the scale of these issues surpasses public sector capacity, stronger public-private partnerships are more vital than ever. To this end, the conference will examine how state and non-state actors can develop solutions through ESG initiatives and collaborative platforms. We will address how public administration can deliver enabling regulatory frameworks and human capital investments. In doing so, we can ensure that market-driven growth serves our strategic public goals while preserving essential public values.
I am confident that our collective insights will shape the future of governance. Thank you for your valuable contributions. I look forward to dynamic and constructive discussions.
Welcome to Seoul!
For inquiries, please contact the organizers at iias-conference@iias-iisa.org
Nationals of some countries need a visa: https://visa.go.kr/
Nationals of some countries need a K-ETA: https://k-eta.go.kr/
National of some countries need no visa or K-ETA: https://at.mofa.go.kr/at-en/brd/m_8362/view.do?seq=760066
Submit a panel, or abstract, and join our community of distinguished scholars and practitioners in public administration.
