Section on International and Comparative Administration of the American Society for Public Administration
The Fred Riggs Symposium
The Fred Riggs Symposium is a two-day event that brings together international scholars to participate in panel discussions about a key issue facing the public administration field today. The global symposium is organized to honor the legacy and work of Dr.Fred Riggs who was a prominent scholar in the field of public administration.
About Dr.Fred Riggs
Dr. Fred Riggs, a luminary in public administration scholarship, revolutionized the field through his pioneering work in comparative public administration. Riggs' seminal "prismatic society" model illuminated the intricate interplay between culture and bureaucracy, reshaping how we understand administrative systems globally. His insights, spanning cultural pluralism, administrative development, and bureaucratic reform, continue to guide scholars and practitioners alike.
Theme: Comparative Approaches to Digital Transformation: Balancing Public Service Values Across Cultural Contexts
About the Symposium
The 2025 Fred Riggs Symposium brings together scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to examine how different countries, administrative systems, and communities navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in governance. This year's symposium will feature cutting-edge research and practice-oriented discussions on how public servants worldwide integrate core public service values while adapting to technology-driven changes.
Program Format
The symposium will be structured as a full-day event scheduled for Friday, March 28, featuring multiple concurrent panel sessions throughout the day. The program will include keynote sessions featuring distinguished scholars and practitioners, interactive discussion forums, and networking opportunities. Each session will incorporate dedicated time for audience engagement and Q&A to foster meaningful dialogue among participants.
Featured Topics
The symposium will address critical themes in comparative public administration, including:
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Comparative strategies for digital transformation in public services
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Ethical implementation of AI across diverse governance structures
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Cross-cultural approaches to building trust in technology-enhanced public administration
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Leadership models for digital transformation
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Workforce development and upskilling strategies for the digital age
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Cultural influences on public trust in high-tech government services
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Regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies
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Digital transformation's impact on public service values
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Innovation and best practices in e-governance
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Digital inclusion and equity considerations
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Special Features
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Presentation of papers eligible for the SICA Garcia-Zamor Best Paper Award
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Opportunities for publication in a special journal issue
Important Information for Participants
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The symposium will follow ASPA's one-presentation-per-person policy
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All presenters must register for the ASPA Annual Conference
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Presentation slots will include time for direct Q&A and audience engagement
Registration
Registration information will be available through the ASPA website. Early registration is encouraged as space may be limited.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact: Cristina Stanica, PhD, Symposium Chair Northeastern University
Symposium Committee
The 2025 Fred Riggs Symposium is organized by a distinguished committee of scholars from various institutions, ensuring diverse perspectives and rigorous academic standards.
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Cristina Stanica, Symposium Chair
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Aroon Manoharan, SICA Chair
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Jungwon Yeo
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Ricardo Bello-Gomez
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Benjamin Dille
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Charlene Roach
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Angela Paez
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Juan David Gutiérrez