What is the NWO Theme Shifts in Governance

The government is blamed for the fact that the trains are overcrowded and run late. In response, the government is trying to regain some control over the partially privatised Netherlands Railways NS. However, the recent conflict which arose following the introduction of new timetables and working practices made it clear that the government's options here are very limited and that in cases like this the government does not always succeed in preventing escalation and social damage.

The traditional methods of running society, government and the economy are changing, and this creates problems relating to control, responsibility and legitimacy. Technological changes - in particular the rise of information and communication technology - are blurring the boundaries of time and place. On top of that, internationalisation means that administrative issues have moved beyond the national level - as exemplified by the European regulations which for a long time prohibited the vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease.

The administration of social processes in the broadest sense is a topic of research involving several research councils. The social sciences make an important contribution, but input also comes from the physical, medical, earth and life sciences. The research focuses on issues such as:

• What are the effects of the current shifts on the control of concentration of power in the various sectors?
• What are the consequences for the efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy of the existing control mechanisms?
• Which new forms of administration and control can be identified already?
• What solutions are needed?
• Which answers are desirable and possible?

Graphic designer Rhonald Blommestijn (Amersfoort) was inspired by the nine NWO Themes. Navigate to the different thematic subjects by clicking the emblems.