Transforming the Dutch Welfare State: Embracing Active Citizenship

Discover the fundamental transformation of the Dutch welfare state through this thought-provoking essay. Delve into the analysis of this process, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and empty rhetoric surrounding it. Gain valuable insights and recommendations for navigating this evolving landscape.

A Shifting Paradigm: From Passive to Active Citizenship

In this piece, we explore how citizens in the Netherlands have often complacently relied on the state for their care and security. However, we also witness a growing trend of unexpected citizen initiatives, known as "burgerkracht," where individuals take the lead in addressing societal issues. Meanwhile, the government continues to navigate forward, sometimes overly paternalistic, yet acknowledging the need to empower citizens.

From Dependency to Collaboration: The Rise of Social Enterprises

Maatschappelijke ondernemingen, commonly sheltered by government support, are showing signs of embracing civic initiatives. Explore inspiring case studies that illustrate the shift in attitude towards citizen participation. Uncover thought-provoking quotes, such as "The citizen is being taught new norms: more risks, more personal contributions, fewer rights, and an ongoing duty to participate in collective endeavors."

Rethinking Governance: From New Public Management to Public Value Management

Witness the transformation of governmental approaches, moving away from a focus on efficiency and cost-cutting towards one centered on creating public value. Learn about the potential for true citizen empowerment through legal rights to experimentation and initiative, as well as the challenging of existing institutions and the assumption of service provision.

Leadership for the Future: Expanding Citizenship beyond Government Structures

Recognize the paramount importance of civic leadership across all institutions. Advocated by the independent think tank, Public SPACE Foundation, this essay invites readers to consider the need for active citizenship not only within the government but also within boardrooms and influential organizations.

Public SPACE Foundation, established in 2004, serves as a platform for the promotion of social entrepreneurship and active citizenship in the public sector. Since 2012, they have actively contributed to the debate on transforming the Dutch welfare state, emphasizing the tension between officially endorsing citizen participation while simultaneously neglecting and undermining the role of social enterprises in government policies. Explore these issues in-depth, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, housing, pension funds, and public broadcasting organizations, all of which trace their origins back to classical citizen initiatives.

Visit www.publicspace.nl to learn more and join the discussion on transforming the Dutch welfare state.