Reform Context and Status

Abstract

This chapter examines the context for administrative reform in the Nordic countries. Context is important in public policy and management. The chapter provides this context in the shape of the organization of the public sector in the Nordic countries, as well as the reform narratives that have occurred in those countries in recent years. The chapter discusses whether there has been a common Nordic reform agenda and who the main reform actors have been. The main reform trends and contemporary reform programs in the different countries are described. The main research questions are: How are the Nordic public sectors structured? How has the socio-economic context influenced the way the reforms have been carried out in the public sector? What are the key features of the Nordic administrative reforms?