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Facts and Findings

Selected contributions to the series with international relevance

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Principles of Administrative Modernization

The German state is in need of a fundamental modernization of its public administration.

Germany needs a fundamental modernization of its public administration. Proposals to this end are legion, rarely differing in their goals, but often neglecting the multitude of veto players: decisions appear opaque, procedures lengthy, administration inefficient and the potential of digitalization lies idle. The discussion about administrative modernization is oftentimes used to project state criticism. What it could be, however, is a debate about the principles of state organization.

Adobe Stock / Studio Romantic

From Marital Splitting to Family Splitting?

An Attempt to Rationalize the Debate

Marital splitting (tax brackets: Married Filing Jointly) was introduced in 1958 as a means of supporting families. But in the past 65 years, the realities of life for many families have changed dramatically. Today, the majority of marriages are childless and more than a third of all children are born out of wedlock. It is important to consider how families with children can be better supported. Family splitting is a model that has been mentioned again and again. However, a reform is only conceivable if it is cost-neutral in times of tight public coffers - and thus has winners and losers.

Corgarashu, stock.adobe.com

Between dialogue and resistance The conflict on the final word in the European judicial order

An analysis of current developments and conflicts between national constitutional courts and the European Court of Justice (ECJ)

Who has the final say on the question of the supremacy of European law? This question is explored in the following article, which builds on a lecture given at the Berlin Legal Policy Conference in October 2022. It examines a number of decisions of national supreme courts in recent years and, in particular, sheds light on the role of the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht, BVerfG).

Adobe-Stock / NDABCREATIVITY

Science is inherently competitive

Interview with Prof. Dr. Gregor Bucher: How can the framework conditions be improved through tenure track, permanent positions and funding?

Scientists are exposed to high performance pressure, especially in early career phases - and without reliable security for their living conditions. That is why they need better framework conditions and planning perspectives. These are in the interest of the scientists concerned, but also in the interest of the research institutions. Nevertheless, everyone must be aware that working in research always remains associated with a high level of competitive pressure, which requires a willingness to perform and an "affinity for risk".

Adobe Stock / katatonia

Responsible staffing policies at universities – For the Promotion of Young Scientists

Interview with Prof. Dr. Michael Sommer: What helps scientists in early career phases?

Scientists in early career phases are important players in the science system, regardless of their field. Even if their career paths in publicly funded research are fundamentally associated with imponderables and require a high degree of risk tolerance, it is a necessary task to strive to continually improve working conditions and prospects. This benefits the needs of researchers and, at the same time, the universities' interests in scientific excellence.

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The quality of early childhood education is what counts

Pedagogical quality of early childhood education as central factor for educational equality

In recent years, early childhood education has experienced a strong quantitative expansion, which must be continued. The pedagogical quality of early childhood education is central to children's development and their further educational progress. It is a decisive factor for educational equality that can be controlled by educational policy. A monitoring system for the collection and evaluation of current data is necessary in order to shape educational policy, the actions of the institutions and the pedagogical work on site in an even more targeted and empirically sound manner.

Adobe Stock / Seventyfour

Perspectives in science: On the question of good working conditions for doctoral students & postdocs

Interview with Prof. Dr. Björn Schumacher: What framework conditions do scientists need in early career phases?

Improving the prospects for scientists in early career phases is an important political task - with consequences not only for young scientists themselves, but for the science system as a whole. There are already many contributions to the discussion, especially from the perspective of young scientists, associations and the management levels of affected institutions. But how do reputable scientists who are actively involved in research assess the working conditions and prospects of doctoral students and postdocs?

Adobe Stock / j-mel

You can't do it without science: NGOs and their political influence

On the way to more sustainability, NGOs have great influence. However, their political advice is only helpful if it is based on science and not just ideology.

The influence of environmental and nature conservation NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) has been increasing for years. In politics and society, their work is often viewed positively, as they seem to represent the "good cause" for the environment and nature. They stage themselves in the role of David – fighting Goliath to expose alleged corporate self-interest. If NGOs orient themselves less on ideologies and more on scientific facts, their role in political and social consultation can be assessed positively. Ideally, they complement scientific policy advice.

Adobe Stock/ NicoElNino

The European Union – A Global Player on Shaky Foundations

Results of the Panorama-Analysis 2023

The Panorama-Analysis 2023 provides a comprehensive insight into the current development of the European Union (EU) and its environment in a year-on-year comparison. The analysis presents a multithematic assessment of the current situation in the areas of innovation and competitiveness, the European policy orientation of the member states and the global environment. By using qualitative and quantitative indicators, the analysis provides sound insights into current trends and developments.

Adobe Stock / Oleksiy Oliinyk

Manipulation and Disinformation in the Metaverse

What Are the Challenges and How to Counter Them?

New virtual communication spaces such as the Metaverse enable even better immersion in a fictitious, yet very real, environment. In this environment, there is an even stronger mixing of entertainment and information. Therefore, disinformation as well as manipulation can be absorbed more intensively there. What exactly do we have to adjust to with this technology and how can disinformation be countered in these communication spaces?

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About this series

The series informs in a concentrated form about important positions of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on current topics. The individual issues present key findings and recommendations, offer brief analyses, explain the Foundation's further plans and name KAS contact persons.

 

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Editor

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Dr. Kristin Wesemann

Dr

Head of Strategy and Planning

kristin.wesemann@kas.de +49 30 26996-3803

Sophie Steybe

Referentin Publikationen

sophie.steybe@kas.de +49 30 26996-3726