Abstract:

Public administration systems are increasingly characterized by complex networks of institutions rather than strictly hierarchical structures. This transformation is particularly visible in areas such as multi-level governance, digital administration, and inter-institutional cooperation. As a result, traditional approaches to teaching public administration often struggle to capture the dynamics of contemporary governance systems. There is a growing need for educational approaches that help students and practitioners understand institutional interaction through network-based perspectives.

This paper explores the pedagogical potential of network-based research methods for teaching public sector governance in higher education. The study argues that network-oriented analytical frameworks can provide a valuable learning tool for understanding institutional collaboration, policy coordination, and digital interoperability within public administration systems.

Using the case of prefect institutions in Romania, the paper illustrates how network-based research can be introduced as a methodological learning approach in public administration programs. Prefect institutions operate at the intersection of vertical, horizontal, and transversal institutional relations, connecting central government, deconcentrated services, and local authorities. This multi-level interaction provides a suitable context for applying network-based analytical methods in educational settings.

The paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating network-based research methods into teaching practices in public administration and governance studies. The approach combines policy network analysis, case-based learning, and institutional mapping to support students in understanding complex administrative ecosystems.

Keywords:

Network-Based Research, Public Administration Education, Governance Networks, Digital Governance, Institutional Interoperability, Teaching Methodologies.