Rethinking the State: Reimagining Capacity, Power and Purpose
UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose’s Rethinking the State Forum is taking place from 18–20 June 2025, over three days, we’ll convene global thinkers, policymakers, students, and practitioners to explore how states can build the capacity to drive inclusive, green, and digital transformations.
Now in its third edition, the Rethinking the State Forum has become a landmark event in the IIPP calendar, showcasing our commitment to reimagining how public purpose is conceived, designed, and delivered.
Through a dynamic mix of public panels, workshops, and interactive dialogues, we’ll explore urgent questions around governance, knowledge systems, and economic power—from decolonising public administration to reclaiming digital sovereignty. Let’s listen, co-create, and reimagine what public purpose means in today’s world.
Wednesday 18th June - 15:30-17:00 BST [Open Event]
Building on Dynamic Capabilities: How do Cities Adapt to Tackle Grand Challenges
How can cities respond to today’s biggest social and environmental challenges? Join this session to explore how local governments are building the skills and flexibility they need to adapt and lead lasting change.
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Wednesday 18th June - 18:00-19:45 BST [Open Event]
Decolonising Public Administration: Rethinking Public Governance and Policy
What does it mean to decolonise public policy and governance? Join leading voices in policy and public administration to explore how decolonising approaches are reshaping how governance is taught, practiced, and experienced.
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Thursday 19th June [Invitation Only]
A New Economy Movement for a World in Transformation
IIPP Forum 2025's closed workshop session, taking place on Thursday 19th June at 10:30 - 17:30 BST.
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Thursday 19th June [Limited spaces available]
PhD Theory Reading Group
The PhD Theory Reading Group, taking place on Thursday 19th June at 10:30 - 12:00 BST
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Thursday 19th June [Limited spaces available]
IIPP's Practice-Based Theorizing and Applied Learning with Global Governments
IIPP Forum 2025's closed workshop session, taking place on Thursday, 19th June at 14:30 - 15:30 BST.
Thursday 19th - Friday 20th June [Open Exhibition]
IIPP MPA Students' Poster Exhibition
IIPP's current cohort of MPA students share their policy and theory work with practitioners and academics.
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Thursday 19th June - 16:30-17:30 BST [Open Event]
Re-thinking Work and Work Organising
Join author and social entrepreneur Hilary Cottam to explore how we can rethink work for the 21st century—balancing people, planet, and purpose, drawing on her book 'The Work We Need'.
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Thursday 19th June - 18:00-19:30 BST [Open Event]
Building the State Capacity to Implement Green Industrial Strategy
Don’t miss this powerful conversation featuring Professor Mariana Mazzucato and Secretary Alicia Bárcena on how countries can unlock green industrial transformation through strong public institutions, innovative finance, and international cooperation
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Friday 20th June - 10:00-11:30 BST [Open Event]
Beyond the Chainsaw: Rethinking Efficiency in Government
With DOGE leading sweeping reforms in the U.S. public sector, this session questions whether automation and cost-cutting serve the public good or undermine it. Join us to rethink what efficient governance should look like.
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Friday 20th June - 12:00-13:30 BST [Open Event]
From Digital Feudalism to Digital Sovereignty
As Big Tech tightens its grip on AI and digital infrastructure, how can states reclaim control in the digital age? Join leading thinkers from IIPP to explore how public policy can shift power toward democratic, sustainable systems.
Find out moreUCL IIPP 2025 Forum Organising Committee:
Dr Carolina Alves, Associate Professor in Economics, UCL IIPP
Angelo Napolano, Head of Communications and Marketing, UCL IIPP
Charlotte Graham, Events and External Engagement Lead, UCL IIPP
Benedict Baumgarten-Millington, Publication Lead and Social Media Manager, UCL IIPP
Contact information: iippcomms@ucl.ac.uk