The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is pleased to announce the release of  Digital Transformation in European Public Services:Complexities, Challenges, and Good Practices, edited by Nicolae Urs, David Špaček, and Steven Nõmmik. This insightful volume explores the evolving landscape of digital innovation within European public administrations, offering a comprehensive examination of management practices that either enable or hinder digital transformation across different government levels.

Drawing on rich case studies from across Europe, the book sheds light on how digital technologies—including artificial intelligence—are harnessed to enhance public service delivery. It addresses practical challenges such as budgetary limitations, legislative barriers, and gaps in expertise, providing a balanced view of successes and setbacks from real-world digital projects. With nuanced analysis, the editors present valuable lessons and actionable insights for both scholars and practitioners invested in advancing public administration in the digital age.

About the editors:

• Nicolae Urs is Associate Professor and Vice-Dean at the College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Romania, with expertise in local digital government implementation, innovation ecosystems, and digital transformation in education.

• David Špaček is Associate Professor at Masaryk University, Czech Republic, specializing in civil service, strategic planning, participatory governance, digitalization, and crisis management resilience.

• Steven Nõmmik is a Researcher at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, focusing on public management, hybrid governance in crisis management, and innovation studies.

This book is an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals interested in public administration, management, and digital governance, especially those seeking to understand how digital transformation shapes public sectors in Europe.

About the Governance and Public Management Series

Published in collaboration with Palgrave, this book series embodies our commitment to a neutral and objective voice, firmly rooted in evidence-based analysis. Dedicated to advancing the understanding of public governance and public management, the series seeks to uncover insights into causes and consequences while fostering expertise in innovation, improvement, and reform.

The series prioritizes forward-looking works that bridge theory and practice, supported by robust data and factual foundations. It aims to offer ideas and prescriptions for improvements in public governance and public management. The books address pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, the climate crisis, poverty, social inclusion, public service delivery, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (A.I.), open government, transparent and responsive governance, societal conflicts and violence, judicial systems, international conflicts and wars, and global cooperation and partnerships.