The basic objectives of the Norwegian public administration are to contribute to full employment, social equalisation, welfare and security. The task of devising and implementing administration policy will become more demanding in the years ahead. The restructuring that has taken place up till now must be consolidated, and the foundation must be laid for the continuation of a strong public administration.
Internationalisation leads to the dismantling of trade barriers and greater competition.
The basis for the governance of society is changing. At the same time, increased competition, the implementation of information technology and new management techniques will help us to use our resources more effectively. One of the main challenges facing the public sector is to respond to the changes taking place by designing new strategies to deal with them. The efficacy of the instruments of the welfare state has become the subject of debate. Our challenge is to find instruments that reach and assist those who need them the most.