The dissertation deals with a topical scientific problem, which consists in the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the peculiarities of application of mechanisms of participation of public associations in the formation of public policy in Ukraine and the development of practical recommendations for improving their activities in this field.
A mechanism for improving the interaction of government and public associations in public policy making is proposed, which results in involving the public in the process of forming an effective and coherent, effective public policy through the use of a tool of interaction between government and the community, such as public hearings.
It is recommended to introduce electronic public hearings as an additional innovative form of using public hearings in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of interaction between public policy entities and the third sector and to optimize the algorithm of public policy formation and implementation by modern information and communication technologies.
The approach to identification of the category of public associations, which are voluntary, non-profit associations, belonging to individuals and / or legal entities of private law, created in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of the unity of purpose, in order to exercise and protect the rights and freedoms, has been improved, securing the interests of the public, including economic, social, cultural, environmental and other nature, as well as the definition of the concept of the mechanism of public participation, which is a constant process of interaction and relationships between citizens and authorities to decide or make the necessary management decisions.
The classification of levels of citizen participation in the political process has been improved, namely: real participation; imitation of participation and lack of participation. These types naturally fall into three models. The first two of them are oriented at the "input" of the political system and perform such functions as articulation and aggregation of interests. The third model (instrumental). The instrumental function of effective solution of social problems is put here in the first place. The instrumental model implies the involvement of NGOs in the “exit” of the political system in solving certain social and other problems of society. Therefore, the ways of improving the legal and regulatory support for the participation of public associations in shaping public policy in Ukraine are proposed.
Keywords: public administration, public administration, state, government, public policy, public associations, public, civil society, third sector.
