The policy
world has changed significantly over the past several
years. Already a mega-trend before September 11, 2001, the global devolution of national power
to state and local governments has generated renewed
interest in metropolitan area decision-making.
The global movement of public policy development and
implementation responsibility out of the government
sphere to nonprofit organizations, empowered civic
and faith-based institutions, a private sector with
new social responsibilities, and engaged citizens
was also changing the nature of the world community.
It is within this environment that GSPIA responds
to new challenges and opportunities through its research,
centers, and institutes.
The
Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies
The
Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies is dedicated to educating the next generation
of security analysts and to producing scholarship
and impartial analysis that informs the options available
to policymakers who must confront diverse challenges
to international and human security on a global scale.
The Ridgway research program is designed to analyze
the complex security dynamics of the 21st century
global environment, concentrating on rapidly evolving
and emerging security threats.
The
Ford Institute for Human Security
The
Ford Institute for Human Security was
established at the University of Pittsburgh as a result
of a generous endowment gift made by Ford Motor Company.
The mission of the Institute is to conduct research
that focuses on a series of transnational threats
to the human rights of civilian populations, The Institute's
purpose is to generate independent research, disseminate
policy papers, and advocate nonpartisan policy proposals
available to both domestic and international policymakers.
The GSPIA Nonprofit
Clinic
The
GSPIA Nonprofit Clinic
provides technical and capacity building assistance
to small nonprofits to enable them to become high-performing
organizations. The clinic is an integral part
of the School's nonprofit management instructional
program by utilizing teams of students and faculty
in providing assistance in the areas of strategic
management, marketing, fund development, board development,
human resources planning, and financial analysis.
The demand for the Clinic's services continues to
grow as its visibility increases.
The
Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership
Over the
past four years, GSPIA has taken steps to formalize
its commitment to the study of ethics and accountability
by serving as a forum for public debate and dialogue.
An initial grant in 2000 from LaVonne and Glen Johnson
was used to design a successful lecture series and
two conferences. Then, in the fall of 2003, the Johnsons
renewed their support, allowing GSPIA to create the
Johnson
Institute for Responsible Leadership. It reaffirms GSPIA's commitment to creating ethical
leaders and provides an institutional platform from
which to launch an innovative program of teaching,
research, and public service on issues of ethics and
accountability in all areas of public life. The Johnson
Institute will accomplish its mission through an integrated
portfolio of programs including:
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Working
with GSPIA faculty to developing materials for
teaching about ethics and accountability and broadening
the coverage of these topics in the various required
courses in GSPIA's core curriculum
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Recognizing
outstanding research that identifies emerging
issues of ethics and accountability, advances
the state of knowledge on these topics, and offers
practical guidance to public service professionals
and citizens
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Facilitating
public dialogue and community learning on timely
issues related to ethics and accountability
Interactive, Intelligent Spatial Information System (IISIS)
Interactive, Intelligent Spatial Information System (IISIS) is computational software that helps community leaders manage risk during disasters and better link communities together when public safety is at risk. The IISIS software allows users to input data and share information instantly, such as injuries, weather conditions, and key personnel to be notified. IISIS enables municipal managers to quickly and effectively distribute resources and make important decisions during emergencies. This software is currently only available in the Pittsburgh region, but it is intended to be scalable nationwide.
IISIS became part of GSPIA in 2006, but was formally established in 1994. GSPIA Professor Louise Comfort and the IISIS team have spent several years researching and compiling data, and are now conducting field demonstrations in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region.
IISIS represents GSPIA's commitment to public service by providing a communications system that will help local leaders increase the efficiency of disaster response management through a seamless, integrated network of real-time data transmission and information search and exchange.
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