The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of public administration as a scientific discipline, tracing the key phases of its evolution – from the theoretical distinction between politics and administration at the end of the 19th century, through the period of affirmation of universal administrative principles, to contemporary trends marked by digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through seven developmental stages, the authors analyze the theoretical contributions of key public administration theorists and the institutional changes that have shaped the discipline. Special emphasis is placed on the transformation of paradigms in public administration – from traditional hierarchical models to participatory, digitally oriented, and transparent governance systems. The paper also highlights current trends in the development of public administration, such as the advancement of digital services, application of artificial intelligence, citizen participation, operational transparency, and the professionalization of administrative personnel. In conclusion, the authors stress the need for continuous research, education, and innovation in order for public administration to successfully adapt to the challenges of the 21st century and remain a reliable service to citizens in a democratic society.

Public administration is a dynamic discipline that has evolved throughout history under the influence of various scientific fields, primarily social sciences. Its roots trace back to ancient civilizations, and it has significantly developed over centuries. As a scientific discipline and a complex social phenomenon, public administration encompasses sociological, political, legal, organizational, and other characteristics. The emergence and functioning of public administration as a crucial state instrument for law enforcement and ensuring social stability have been significantly influenced by numerous scientific disciplines, particularly political science, law, sociology, economics, and psychology. These disciplines provided the initial impetus and later momentum for the development of specific public administration concepts. Key theoretical approaches to studying public administration emphasize the importance of organizational structures and functionality within social systems. Understanding the historical and theoretical foundations of administration is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in public administration. The aim of this paper is to highlight the influences of some key social and technological disciplines on the development of public administration, focusing on understanding how historical changes have shaped modern practices.

There are several issues and problems that are inevitably produced by the phenomenon and the emergence of social exclusion. These are, first of all: unemployment, inadequate education, extremely poor housing and an environment characterized by high rates of corruption and crime, insufficient and inadequate care and nursing of the elderly, low level of general health, cases of family breakdown, addiction problems, and discrimination on various grounds. Therefore, the fight against poverty and social exclusion, through the promotion of integration and inclusion in the labor market and social integration, supports marginalized groups and helps their active inclusion in social flows. The inclusion in the labor market of socially excluded groups, accompanied by projects to create a supportive environment, is particularly important and represents the best approach in their social reaffirmation and fight against all forms of social exclusion. In this sense, the development and implementation of social inclusion programs that are regulated by positive legal regulations by the state are crucial. It is the state that should, on the basis of legal regulation and through financial support, encourage social inclusion since this is the only way and basis to ensure the prevention of all forms of discrimination against socially excluded groups of citizens. In this context, the development and implementation of disability education programs are key. Support for such projects increases opportunities for education and subsequent employment and reduces the risk of social exclusion and poverty of socially excluded categories. The presented case study shows that the development and implementation of targeted inclusive education programs will give excellent results in terms of strengthening this marginalized category by improving the conditions of their education without physical and mental barriers, as well as by creating conditions for improving their later employment and labor market integration.

The paper analyzes the organization of local self-government in the Republic of Kosovo through the prism of the Constitution, the Law on Local Self-Government, and other laws that affect the work and functioning of municipalities. In the social context, local self-government is very important. Citizens exercise most of their rights through the competencies of local self-government. With the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the Council of Europe has set the standards of local self-government that are implemented by its members. Kosovo is not a member of the Council of Europe, but through UNMIK regulations and its normative acts, it applies the standards of the Charter. The Republic of Kosovo, with the help of the international community and non-governmental organizations, strives to become a modern, democratic state and a member of the European Union. Along the way, Kosovo is implementing the reforms needed to comply with EU acts. In addition to presenting the organization of local self-government in Kosovo, this paper intends to determine the extent to which the Law on Local Self-Government is harmonized with the European Charter of Local Self-Government.