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Strategic Planning as a Tool for Better Public Policy Governance - The Case of Croatia

Henry Mintzberg wrote about the rise and fall of strategic planning, but it seems that strategic planning as a public administration tool is well back and entered all spheres of public administrations at all governance levels in the European Union, in Croatia as well. The purpose of this paper is to question the applicability of entrepreneurial strategic planning approaches in public administration practices. The trend of new public management as part of public sector economics has released its roots into public administrations worldwide. However, it is questioned, if by legislation foreseen procedure of strategic planning influences the improvement of the way how public administrations operate? Is performance improved? Is spending more rational? Are actions more accountable? And finally, is the State better managed? These questions are beyond political- economic discourse about the role of government and market. They aim at better public service provision and to create favourable conditions for economic growth and development. The main results of this research will be reflected in findings about strategic planning as a new approach within Croatian regional development policy and the budgetary process. Theoretical and practical progress is presented and critically discussed, and questions for further research and policy recommendations are proposed.

Public policy; strategic planning; governance; regional development; budgetary planning

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