The call for improved standards of living, social justice, and greater democratic participation is growing louder, most notably observed at the grassroots level and in the interactions among local stakeholders.
In this landscape, the public sector represented by local governance structures, private enterprises, and social organizations grapple with the dynamic challenges and opportunities stemming from globalization, heightened competition, and decentralization. Within multi-actor, multi-level governance frameworks, these entities strategically engage with local administration, driven by their respective interests, capabilities, and opportunities, aiming for positive outcomes in overall social and economic advancement.
The LDS specialization equips participants with a nuanced understanding of local governance dynamics, empowering them to support or orchestrate intricate collective endeavors at local and regional scales. Rooted in a political economy framework, the program delves into policies and political processes, with a particular emphasis on fostering local economic development and fostering avenues for community-driven and state-centered initiatives.
Adopting a meso-level, interdisciplinary, and comparative approach, the LDS specialization blends hands-on project experience with cutting-edge conceptual and theoretical discourse. It furnishes invaluable insights for professionals across diverse sectors, including the public sector (both local and central government), NGOs, civil society organizations, development agencies, academic institutions, and private enterprises alike.
Courses and readings
For a full description of all specializations, individual courses and indicative readings, please download the Academic Calendar below.
MA Academic Calendar
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