Organizational dilemmas of EU-funded policy development: the case of Estonian government task forces

Abstract

IMPACT Public sectors are characterized by the increasing role of temporary policy development initiatives—often the result of targeted development funding like the EU structural funds. This article provides insight into the opportunities and constraints of temporary organizational arrangements enabled by central funding. Complex policy issues can be tackled outside of existing policy frameworks and problem-solving routines, but the practicalities of implementation and ownership after the end of the interventions need to be considered. Understanding the trade-offs means that public sector managers will be able to make the new arrangements more effective and sustainable. The authors draw out the lessons for international practice from an Estonian case study.