Professor Berman elaborated on his understanding of comparative public administration from the following perspectives. Firstly, he emphasized that states engage in fundamentally similar activities, and there is convergence in practices, expectations, and challenges. Therefore, there is value in learning from others. Secondly, while there are differences among states, not all differences are fundamental or crucial. Thirdly, geography and contexts are crucial factors. All solutions need to be understood within specific contexts, making a learning and innovation-oriented approach essential for adoption. Professor Berman believes that comparative analysis expands our knowledge boundaries through various means, such as enhancing the generalization of policies across contexts, identifying best practices, and increasing research engagement.

Professor Ping Zhang provided insightful comments on the lecture. The faculty and students, engaged in in-depth discussions with Professor Berman on research methods in the field of public administration, the application of knowledge to other domains, and the similarities among different countries. This lecture not only provided an opportunity for the attendees to gain a deeper understanding of comparative public administration but also facilitated academic exchange between Chinese and foreign scholars in the field of public administration.