Course description

After three successful editions, the European and Transnational Governance Network (ETGN) is now welcoming registrations for the fourth ETGN Summer School on Agile Governance.

‘Agile governance’ is becoming a “must have” for governments, businesses and international organisations, due to accelerating technological developments, alongside existential risks such as climate change, diseases and geopolitical tensions. Truly agile organisations are able to anticipate future events, quickly adapt to disruptions and adequately respond to fast-changing environments, which is essential for survival and growth.

Since 2020, many institutions have adopted initiatives on agile governance, such as the Government of Japan and the US Government and Accountability Office. The governments of Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Singapore, UAE and UK signed the world’s first “Agile Nations” agreement at a panel co-organised by the OECD and the World Economic Forum.

This summer school provides an in-depth introduction to agile governance, defined as adaptive, human-centered, inclusive, multi-stakeholder and sustainable policymaking. Trainers and participants will discuss emerging tools such as foresight and horizon scanning, regulatory sandboxes, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), policy co-creation, citizen engagement, and many more.

The summer school will feature lecturers from the ETGN network, governments, and international organisations, as well as the private sector, in an interactive environment which will include various groupwork sessions, as well as a social programme in Florence and the surrounding areas.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the notion of agile governance, and the ways in which agile governance can strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in public and private sector;
• Compare and use different approaches to the design of agile governance, from the business and the public sector point of view;
• Identify opportunities and challenges of AI and big data in government work;
• Recognise ways in which effective public-private partnerships and an inclusive policy process can strengthen government agility.

Who should attend

• Policymakers at all levels of government;
• Senior and mid-career civil servants;
• Senior staff in corporations delivering public services;
• Early- and mid-career lawyers and economic consultants;
• Staff in tech companies developing tools for government;
• Researchers focusing on tech and governance.

Information for applicants

• The in-person training course will take place in Florence between 8, 9, 10 and 11 July 2025. Registrants who are selected will be expected to be present on the EUI campus in Florence, Italy, on the days of the training;
• The programme will include approximately 20 hours of in-session training, not including lunches or coffee breaks;
• Participants will be enrolled to the EUI’s virtual learning environment (Brightspace) in order to access the materials of the course;
• Accepted participants who successfully complete the training course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Florence School of Transnational Governance.

The programme will pay particular attention to AI, its regulation, and big data. The sessions will include a discussion of how AI and big data can support agile governance through key techniques such as machine learning for predictive analytics. Participants will discuss the opportunities and challenges of deploying AI and big data in government, and possible measures to promote the trustworthy use of these powerful technologies.

• Day 1: Setting the stage: why do we need agile governance?
• Day 2: Designing Agile Governance and Leadership in Crisis
• Day 3: Artificial intelligence, Digital and Innovation
• Day 4: Agile Governance in action