Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the global, historic context of public administration and the specific British context of teaching and research for public administration. Also, it asks the question, “is twenty-first century public administration still ‘fit for purpose?’”. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a personal reflection on the changes to public administration and management during the twentieth and early part of the twenty-first century, in particular how the UK Learned Society has responded to a number of global, policy and cultural changes. Findings The findings demonstrate how the UK Joint University Council (JUC), representing public administration, has responded to changes, in particular to recent forces impacting on HE and training providers. It includes the outcomes of a series of recent UK debates as JUC approaches its 100-year centenary in 2018. It concludes by showing that public administration research, teaching and scholarship are as necessary, if not more so, in 2018. In particular, issues such as accountability, legality, integrity and responsiveness, the overall ethical guidelines are vital for both public and private educational curricula. For either theory building or empirical descriptions, public administration research can still positively contribute to the wider economy Research limitations/implications As a personal reflection, the findings are offered to add to a debate on the future of public administration scholarship in the UK, and much wider afield. Practical implications The contents should be of benefit to academics, policy and practitioners in the field of public administration and management. Social implications This study has wider societal implications, as all states are facing growing social problems and a need to seek novel ways of delivering public services. Originality/value Though the paper is a personal reflection, and may therefore be challenged, it is based on wider literature to support the claims being made.
