Department of Political and Social Sciences
The thematic area aims to explore the complex and multifaceted processes of innovation in Public Administration from various disciplinary perspectives, including sociology, law, communication, history, and economics.
In recent decades, the public sector in Italy has undergone profound transformations due to both endogenous and exogenous factors affecting the administrative system. However, alongside these changes, resistance to innovation and reform has also emerged. Within this framework, special attention is given to the impact of digital technologies as a driver of innovation, both internally—in terms of administrative processes and relationships with employees and collaborators—and externally, in enhancing transparency, access, participation, and accountability in public organizations. A specific focus is dedicated to analyzing the transformation of communication models and practices following the rise of the Internet, digital platforms, and social media. These changes have significant implications for Institutional structures dedicated to public communication, Professional roles in public information, the relationship between Public Administration, citizens, and other stakeholders (such as media, businesses, and associations).
Research Projects on Innovating Public Administration
- CONCRETE (Sustainable and Inclusive Communication in Emergency Situations in Universities) – Funded by the MUR FISR Covid-2020 call, this project critically analyzes the management of digital university communication during the pandemic. Its goal is to develop sustainable and inclusive guidelines for communication in future emergencies and crises within large public universities. More info: https://sites.unica.it/progetto-concrete/
- QPCS (Quality of Public Communication on Social Media) – Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, this three-year project critically examines digital and social media communication to identify the factors that determine quality, effectiveness, and efficiency in public communication across different types of administrations. It explores both routine and emergency scenarios, with a specific focus on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and artificial intelligence (third year of research). More info: https://atc.mise.gov.it/index.php/tecnologie-delle-comunicazioni/ricerca/accessibilita-e-usabilita/qualita-comunicazione-pubblica-social.
- EPIC POPS (Pandemic Emergency and Hybridization between Public and Political Communication on Social Media) – Funded by the Sardinia Foundation, this project examines the hybridization and overlap between institutional and political communication on the social media channels of Sardinian municipalities. It focuses on emergency situations (COVID-19, vaccination campaigns) and key political moments (local and national elections).