CAS in Digital Government

The topic

In today’s fast-paced world, information technologies are revolutionizing the way organizations and society operate. Public administrations now rely on effective information management not only to meet the demands of citizens but also to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape which is increasingly shaped by global geopolitical issues.

Digital advancements have unlocked opportunities for greater transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in public services. Yet, they also introduce new challenges—reshaping how services are organized, delivered, and managed. Political leaders, public managers, and public servants at large are increasingly called upon to develop advanced technical and managerial skills to drive successful digitalization initiatives.

This course bridges theory and practice to empower participants with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to navigate digital transformation in public organizations. Drawing on the latest research, case studies, and real-world applications, participants will gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and hurdles of digitalization, equipping them to lead with confidence in an increasingly digital world.

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Objectives

Discover cutting-edge innovations: Gain insight into the technological and policy-related trends shaping digitalization in the public sector.
Master design and management strategies: Explore effective techniques and approaches to create and oversee impactful digital transformation initiatives of public organizations.
Learn by doing: Apply the methods discussed through hands-on, practical examples that bring theoretical concepts to life.
Share and reflect: Exchange experiences with peers while analysing real-world cases of both successful and less effective implementations, fostering deeper understanding.
Anticipate the future: Develop a forward-thinking mindset to identify and tackle the emerging opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in public administration.

Target audience

Students studying for the MAS in Public Administration (MPA);
Executives in public and not-for-profit enterprises who are interested in digitalization of the public sector;
Any person who is responsible for or is participating in public digitalization projects.

Speakers (subject to modifications)

Programme (subject to modifications)

Day	Date	Topics
1	26.09.2025	Introduction: Digital transformation model
2	27.09.2025	Service-oriented digital transformation
3	03.10.2025	Design thinking for reimagining public services
4	04.10.2025	Process-driven digital transformation
5	10.10.2025	Digital transformation real-world case studies
6	11.10.2025	Change and renewal: Impact measurement and evaluation
7	31.10.2025	Digital culture and mindsets: Navigating user resistance
8	01.11.2025	Technology deep-dive I: Data and digital platforms
9	07.11.2025	Technology deep-dive II: Artificial intelligence
10	08.11.2025	Technology deep-dive III: Technology forecasting and smart government
11	14.11.2025	Politics of digital transformation & seminar presentations
12	15.11.2025	Seminar presentations & closing

Teaching methods

Presentations, work in groups, case studies and computer-assisted learning are combined to enhance active participation in the course. Several external lecturers will enrich the course with their practical experiences and thoughts. Fluency in English is necessary.

Qualifications and Certificates

Participants who actively and regularly attend the course, and complete the course project, will be awarded a Foundation of Continuing Education certificate of continuing education/Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Public Administration (with a specialisation in CEMAP). This corresponds to 10 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Participants who follow the course but decide not to complete the project work will receive a certificate of attendance (but no ECTS credits).

Continuing Education regulations

Practical information and Registration

Main teaching language

The course will primarily be taught in English, with selected contributions from practitioners delivered in French. Discussions and coursework may also take place in French, provided all participants have a sufficient command of the language.

Dates, time, place

Every Fridays and Saturdays, from September to December, 2025 from 9.15 a.m. to 4.15 p.m., in the IDHEAP building.

26 and 27 september 2025

3, 4, 10, 11 and 31 october 2025

1, 7, 8, 14, and 15 november 2025

Registration deadline

29.06.2025

I want to register

Click here to register. The number of participants is limited and registrations are processed on a first come first served basis. Please contact Fatma.Yavavli@unil.ch for any further information.

Registration fees

Total course registration fees come to CHF 4,500 (including all documentation), which should be paid on receipt of the invoice, and by the start of the course at the latest.

Discout
A discount of 5%, up to a maximum of CHF 500 per course, is available to any IDHEAP alumni—holding an MPA, DAS or CEMAP, an IDHEAP PhD or a Master’s in PMP—who wish to follow a CAS course or a Seminar for Specialist and Executives organised by IDHEAP. This reduction does not apply to participants in the DAS who subsequently wish to follow the MPA course.

Withdrawal

Any decision to withdraw from the course must be made in writing.

If withdrawal from the course is announced between

21 and ten days prior to its commencement, 50% of the registration fee will remain due.
less than ten days before its commencement, the entire registration fee is due. The number of places being limited, registrations will be considered on the basis of the date of receipt.