The Institut national des études territoriales (INET), which trains future local government executives in Strasbourg, shows persistent sociological homogeneity among its students. A CNFPT survey on promotions from 2015 to 2024 reveals only marginal changes in profiles, dominated by upper social categories. The administration pledges to address this issue.
Established in Strasbourg since 1997, the INET plays a role similar to the Institut national du service public (INSP) for the state, training leaders of local authorities. Like its state counterpart, it struggles to reflect French society's diversity in its cohorts.
A recent survey by the Centre national de la fonction publique territoriale (CNFPT), the school's overseeing body, reviews the sociological profiles of 797 students from training promotions between 2015 and 2024. Nearly 52% participated, highlighting a persistent "form of sociological homogeneity." Student characteristics "have evolved only marginally" over the decade, with just a "slight diversification of profiles," the report states.
This finding updates a 2013 analysis covering the first 20 promotions of territorial administrators at the INET. It emphasizes the strong presence of students from upper socioeconomic categories, limiting representation from other backgrounds. In response, the administration promises action to foster greater inclusion, though specific measures are yet to be detailed.
This situation raises questions about the accessibility of high territorial positions and their openness to diverse backgrounds, crucial for a representative public administration.
