Public administration and life-long learning: rethinking skills development for the digital state
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65222/VIRAL.2026.2.17.37Keywords:
Abstract
In an era characterized by rapid technological transformation and digital governance, public administration confronts unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the cultivation of human capital, necessitating a paradigmatic shift toward life-long learning (LLL) as an essential mechanism for continuous skills development. This article critically examines the intersection of digital state imperatives and public sector human resource development, advocating for a comprehensive reconfiguration of traditional competencies frameworks to better align with the complex demands of contemporary governance ecosystems.
The scholarly inquiry draws upon a dual-methodological approach, integrating an extensive bibliographic meta-analysis of contemporary theoretical constructs on life-long learning, digital governance, and skills development with an empirical case study conducted at the UNAp, Romania. The case study investigates the efficacy of innovative LLL programs tailored for mid-career public administration professionals navigating digital upskilling challenges. Quantitative metrics derived from pre- and post-intervention assessments of digital literacy, cognitive flexibility, and organizational learning attitudes are triangulated with qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, revealing nuanced insights into the motivational, institutional, and technological factors that underpin successful LLL integration.
Findings elucidate the transformative potential of digitally-enhanced, modular learning interventions in cultivating hybrid skillsets that transcend technical proficiency to encompass critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving. The research underscores how fostering a culture of continuous professional development within public institutions not only mitigates skill obsolescence but also actively contributes to the digital state’s resilience against socio-technical disruptions. Moreover, the article delineates systemic barriers such as bureaucratic ine
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