Welcome to IDEAGOV: The New International Research Center on Decentralization and Governance

We are pleased to announce the launch of the International Center for DEcentralization And GOVernance (IDEAGOV), a new research center based at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain).

IDEAGOV was founded with the goal of becoming a global reference for research and policy on innovations in decentralization and governance. It mais to be a key meeting point for the study of federalism within the European Union and worldwide, bringing together the expertise of recognized economists and political scientists.

Our strength is in our union

This initiative brings together two well-established networks in the field of decentralization: DERNET (Decentralization Research Network) and RIFDE (Network of Researchers on Autonomous Financing and Fiscal Decentralization in Spain).

By combining their knowledge, IDEAGOV will lead research and foster dialogue on decentralization, fiscal federalism and governance. Within our structure, RIFDE will operate as a division dedicated to Spanish decentralization and governance studies, while DERNET will be integrated into our new international center.

Our key focus areas

1. Conferences and Workshops

IDEAGOV will organize international conferences and workshops to foster the exchange of ideas and academic debate.

2. EU Research Projects

IDEAGOV will actively lead and participate in research initiatives funded by the European Union, promoting collaboration among scholars and experts across the continent.

3. Policy Reports for International Organizations

The center will produce evidence-based reports for international organizations, providing rigorous analysis for decision-making.

4. Strategic Collaborations

We will form partnerships with academic and non-academic institutions at the regional, national, and international levels.

At the regional and national level, we have partnered with institutions such as the Xunta de Galicia and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IEF) and the BBVA Foundation.

At the international level, we are expanding our network with organizations such as the OECD and establishing formal collaborations with leading academic centers in Political Science and Economics, including:

• Political Science: American Political Science Association (APSA), European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR)

  
  

• Economics: Ibero-American Association for Local Financing (AIFIL)

  
  

• Other international federalism research centers: Centre on Constitutional Change (University of Edinburgh), Condorcet Center for Political Economy (Université de Rennes I), International Center for Public Policy (Georgia State University), and the McGill Centre for the Study of Federalism (Montreal).

  
  

Looking Ahead

With this new structure and a top-tier network of collaborators, we're ready to connect ideas, people, and policies in decentralization and governance.

Join us on this journey to shape the future of decentralized governance worldwide!