… you are in the final phase of your PhD studies. Tell us, what is your thesis about?
"It´s about how regional public organizations can offer various services, for example public transport, to meet the needs of the citizens. I focus on two issues; to describe and explain the challenges of public organizations in terms of coordination, and to create a deeper understanding of how these challenges affect the ability of organizations to perform public services that increase public value."
Why is this important?
"The public sector consists of complex systems involving both private and public organizations. It includes decision makers on different levels as well as organizational and individual interests that sometimes can be in conflict with the overall purpose of a service. This dilemma puts high demands on how to integrate these organizations. Take for example regional public transport, where several levels are included in order for the service to be delivered. First, a political organization decide the direction of the development of a service. Then, public officials at the authority develop a policy document. After that, another organization is responsible to organize the public transport, and last we have the companies that actually run the buses and perform the service. There are many organizations at different levels that need to be coordinated, and it entails a variety of challenges. These challenges can affect the service delivery itself and the desired societal benefit."
What made you choose this area?
"Public services affect us all, since we all need healthcare, roads, public transport and schools, and so on. Therefore, it´s important to look at the organizations that are responsible for providing good services - services that increases public value.
What do you hope your research can contribute?
"I hope that regions and municipalities will find my research interesting, and that it can contribute to create good communication channels between different units that have to be integrated in order to meet the needs of citizens."
Good luck!
