Innovation, design and delivery of MPA programmes for public leaders and managers in Europe

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse three innovative Master's programmes designed for public and voluntary sector managers across three EU countries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares similarities and differences between the programmes in order to shed light on the “innovation journey” which the authors took in establishing these programmes, and on the distinctive pedagogies which have been designed and developed to help address the complex dilemmas and challenges facing public and voluntary sector managers in the three countries. Findings – The paper draws on theories of innovation and entrepreneurship to illustrate how these programmes were created, and how both new curriculum content and new approaches to pedagogy had to be developed. Originality/value – The paper addresses the current and future learning needs of these public and voluntary service managers.