Background
The coalition agreement signed in April 2023 carried out extensive reorganization of ministries, affecting a total of five ministries and their subordinate institutions. The aim was to better align the thematic areas of ministries with government priorities and to increase coherence between different policy domains. While the changes have not yet come into effect from the perspective of the state budget, most of the practical steps have been taken. As a result of the process, it has become clear that implementing changes in some areas was more challenging. Therefore, it is important to analyze the lessons learned from this process and how to implement such large-scale changes more efficiently in the future while emphasizing openness, transparency, and knowledge-based decision-making.
Objective
The aim of the study was to analyze the process of reorganization of ministries that took place in 2023 and to highlight its lessons learned.
Methodology
During the study, individual interviews, focus group interviews, and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Interviews were conducted with the chancellors and deputy chancellors of related ministries, as well as with chancellors and deputy chancellors who were required to leave their positions as a result of the reorganization. Also with the heads of agencies within the ministries’ areas of governance. Seven focus group interviews were conducted, addressing topics according to the affected areas of reorganization, and one focus group interview was conducted with various government agencies and departments that centrally supported the reorganization process. The aim of the survey was to identify the challenges related to the reorganization, officials’ opinions on opportunities to improve the process and prevent future obstacles, and to explore the impact of the reorganization on daily operations, inter-ministerial cooperation, and resulting changes.
Benefits
The study helped identify the obstacles and success stories in implementing the reorganization, and proposals will be made for conducting similar processes in the future. In addition, it was determined what prerequisites need to be established, developed, and ensured in government agencies and their subordinate institutions to ensure that such processes are efficient, smooth, and as trouble-free as possible for all stakeholders.
Project contracting institution: Government Office
Project implementer: LevelLab and Baltic Research Institute
Duration: 10/2023 –02/2024
