As a matter of fact, we are at a crossroads in our evolution, characterized by three priorities : the reform of our curriculum , the French presidency of the EU in 2008 and the great renovation of public policies, also known as "Révision générale des politiques publiques" (a complete review which aims to revamp the implementation of public policies, especially by the State administration).

 

Our training organization.

Every year, after receiving the theoretical and practical basis in different aspects of public administration over a 6-month period, about 150 students are to choose from three “professional fields”. During a new 6-month period, they are to acquire further in-depth knowledge, especially the skills required to deal with their first job as an executive. In order to attain a high level of proficiency in their chosen fields, namely Central Administration, local State Administration and the management of the educational system, students are required to do an internship starting in July, a prerequisite before taking up the job in their aforesaid chosen field in September.

 

The French presidency of the EU council.

France is now chairing the EU council for six months. This event is a golden opportunity for the ‘ Institut Régional d’Administration ‘ (IRA) to play a very constructive part in the integration of the training programmes of administrative officials across the Union. We are thus fully involved in that deal, considering our specific geographical location, close to the EU institutions in Brussels.

 

The modernisation of Public Administration.

Such a grand task has been assigned to our Institute by France’s highest authorities so as to work on the process of modernisation, with an emphasis on different guidelines: developing the professional aspect of our recruitment strategy, providing officials with a wider range of professional options, etc. It can also be noted that Lille offers a specific training for "attachés chargés du traitement de l’information" (CTI), who are both proficient at Administration and the technical management of information technology. All these reforms have been entrusted to our Institute by the Director General of Administration and Public Services with a view to restructuring the whole system of the training programme as regards the evolution of modern public services.

 

These innovative actions will allow us to develop the necessary skills required to meet the challenges of today’s Public Administration in a fast-changing world.