Evaluation: Sitra’s impact is in co-operation – and more is needed

The recently compiled evaluation summarises the findings of seven separate impact assessments completed between 2017 and 2019 and provides further in-depth analyses of the operating environment and Sitra’s organisation. Finally, the new evaluation gives ten recommendations for future development.

“The series of assessments and evaluations on Sitra forms one of the most extensive and comprehensive organisational evaluations ever carried out in Finland. The process included almost 500 interviews,” says Kimmo Halme, Managing Director of 4Front Oy and a co-author of the recently published summary evaluation.

The title of the publication, Thinktank, futures workshop and co-operative platform, sums up the multiple dimensions of Sitra’s activities.

“According to our evaluation, Sitra has an important and special role in renewing Finnish society and strengthening preparedness for the future. Ultimately, Sitra has a position, structure and organisation that are well suited for this task. In addition, at its disposal it has diverse resources and procedures and a competent organisation,” says Kimmo Halme.

Sitra’s impact on systemic change mainly stems from increasing partners’ engagement and commitment. In this area, Sitra has still room for development in its operating methods,” says Olli Oosi, Senior Partner at Owal Group Oy and a co-author of the evaluation.

The goal of the evaluation team, formed by 4Front Oy, Owal Group Oy and Technopolis Group Ltd, was to support the reflections of Sitra’s future development options by providing independent information about Sitra’s role as a future-oriented organisation and driver of social change.

The evaluations show that Sitra has succeeded well in its strategic choices and the quality of its work is high. The evaluation team suggests that Sitra further strengthen the international dimension of its operations and utilise international co-operation more actively.

Sitra has recently entered a completely new stage in its history: the amended legislation on its activities was enacted in early 2019, the parliamentary working group reviewing Sitra’s role, tasks and resources handed in their report in March, and Sitra is also in the process of appointing a new President as Mikko Kosonen’s term ends next January.

“The summary evaluation gives valuable recommendations and supports the decision-making regarding Sitra’s future development. It also provides a panoramic view of Sitra’s activities and their societal impact,” says Antti Lindtman, Chair of Sitra’s Supervisory Board, on receiving the evaluation.

Publication

Ajatushautomo, kokeilupaja ja yhteistyöalusta. Sitran kokoava arviointi
Kimmo Halme (4Front Oy), Olli Oosi (Owal Group Oy), Katharina Warta (Technopolis Group Ltd.)
Sitran selvityksiä 157
ISBN 978-952-347-123-8 (nid.)
ISBN 978-952-347-124-5 (PDF) www.sitra.fi
ISSN 1796-7104 (nid.)
ISSN 1796-7112 (PDF) www.sitra.fi

Information

Kimmo Halme, 4Front Oy, kimmo.halme@4front.fi, +358 40 1250 350
Olli Oosi, Owal Group Oy, olli.oosi@owalgroup.com, +358 50 530 4737
Tapio Anttila, Vice President, Sitra, tapio.anttila@sitra.fi, +358 294 618 283
Katri Vataja, Foresight, Insight & Strategy Director, Sitra, katri.vataja@sitra.fi, +358 294 618 230