The Role of Public Administration in Socio-Economic Development

This chapter explores the pivotal role of public administration in fostering socio-economic development, particularly emphasizing its relevance in the Global South. It argues that while significant disparities persist among nations in terms of wealth, governance, and social indicators, effective public administration underpins development. The analysis highlights diverse administrative systems worldwide, shaped by historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors, with Europe offering distinct administrative profiles. The chapter further hypothesizes that international efforts, such as good governance initiatives and development administration programs, can harmonize public management practices to address global challenges. A case study of the PMIC Master’s program illustrates the innovative potential of North–South and West–East collaborations, advocating culturally contextualized approaches over Eurocentric models. This collective effort underscores the necessity of tailored administrative training and international cooperation for sustainable development, showcasing the enduring impact of development administration in a global context.