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Ekaterine Chikhladze

Ekaterine Chikhladze is a Ph.D. researcher in Public Policy and Administration at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (). Her dissertation focuses on exploring the intersection of Participatory Policy Making and Europeanization, with a specific emphasis on Georgia´s Ministries from 2014 to 2023. With an experience in policy areas such as education, science, and gender equality, Ekaterine has held diverse roles in both public institutions and donor-funded projects.

Since 2023, she has been a visiting lecturer at European University, Georgia, teaching a course on Public Policy to undergraduate students. In addition to her practical experience, Ekaterine holds a Master of Arts in International Public Policy jointly awarded by the University of York (UK) and Central European University (Hungary) and Master of Arts in American Studies from Heidelberg University, Germany.

Public Seminar Objective
The primary aim of this public seminar is to present an overview of her doctoral dissertation project, explaining its current status, key thematic components, and methodological approaches. Furthermore, this seminar seeks to get feedback from esteemed faculty members of TLU and fellow Ph.D. candidates, encompassing an examination of various facets of the research project, including theoretical framework, methodology, empirical analyses, and potential sources for the research.

Working Title
Linking Participatory Policy Making to Europeanization at the Institutional Level: The Case of Georgia’s Ministries in the period of 2014-2023. By Ekaterine Chikhladze, School of Public Policy / Administration, GIPA.

Abstract
In the context of Georgia´s pursuit of closer integration with the EU, participatory policy making emerges as a critical area influenced by Europeanization. By scrutinizing policy transfer and adoption, conditionality measures, policy dialogue, capacity building, and harmonization with EU norms, the research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the influence of Europeanization on participatory policy making at the institutional level in a non-EU context, using Georgia as a case study. Specifically, the research endeavours to understand the linkages between EU policies and practices and the adoption of participatory approaches within Georgia´s ministries from 2014 to 2023. The study will draw on Europeanization theory to explore how EU policies are transferred and adapted within Georgia´s ministries. Additionally, the research aims to integrate other pertinent theoretical frameworks to present a comprehensive understanding of the intricate process of Europeanization. A mixed-methods approach will be employed to provide a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics involved. The research will involve key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, and civil society representatives, with the aim of comprehending their perspectives on the influence of Europeanization on participatory practices.