Context
The National Institute of Administration (Instituto Nacional de Administração – INA), based in Portugal, considers as its mission the creation, transmission and dissemination of knowledge in the public administration sector. Through various initiatives, INA significantly contributes to innovation, modernisation and the capacity building of human resources in public administration. A key strategy within the institute is the promotion of knowledge-based training, outlined in the Strategic Plan (2022–2026).
The ‘Mentoring Programme for Innovation and Leadership’ (Programa de Mentoria para Inovação e Liderança –PMIL) is a crucial component of these strategic initiatives, specifically tailored to address challenges highlighted in Strategy 2030 and the Modernisation of the State and Public Administration. These challenges encompass management and leadership training, talent attraction, skill development for the future and fostering a culture of innovation. PMIL serves as a tailored response to these challenges by providing a structured mentoring programme.
Objectives
PMIL is designed to instil and fortify innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills through a mentorship process. The programme aims to support and guide individuals in their personal and professional development, contributing to enhanced performance and career progression. PMIL has specific goals, including developing innovation management skills among public administration workers involved in innovative projects and enhancing leadership skills in public administration managers, particularly younger ones, fostering the leadership needed for the future. Mentoring, in general, plays an important role in accelerating entrepreneurship, leadership and creativity in innovation processes. PMIL presupposes the creation of a learning incentive that reinforces innovation competencies, in addition to conventional professional training actions. It aligns with the mission of training public administration managers and promoting innovation in public management.
Implementation
PMIL is managed by INA. All mentors and mentees participate voluntarily, creating a pool that encompasses individuals from various sectors, including public administration, universities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. INA, as the project manager entity, is responsible for selecting and training mentor-mentee pairs, monitoring the project’s development and carrying out its evaluation. Communication strategies for PMIL include leveraging INA’s official website, social networks, newsletters, interviews and teaser videos. Meetings are held at the end of each edition, disseminating results, presenting case studies and emphasising the importance of mentoring in public administration. PMIL stands as a noteworthy initiative contributing to the evolution and development of public administration in Portugal.