Sektorspolicy

Sektorspolicy is a policy approach in public administration and economic policy that concentrates state action on specific sectors of the economy rather than applying broad, economy-wide measures. The aim is to correct sector-specific market failures, stimulate investment, and support strategic development within targeted industries or activities.

Core elements of sektorspolicy include prioritizing sectors based on national goals, designing instruments tailored to each sector, and establishing governance arrangements that coordinate across ministries, agencies, and private stakeholders. Instruments commonly used include public investment, subsidies or tax incentives, procurement preferences, regulatory adjustments, standards or certification schemes, and targeted support for research, development, and skills.

The process typically involves diagnosing sector performance, identifying bottlenecks and growth opportunities, selecting priority sectors, formulating sector plans, implementing targeted interventions, and monitoring and evaluating outcomes to adjust policy as needed. Sektorspolicy is often part of broader industrial or development strategies and may align with goals such as modernization, digital transformation, energy transition, or regional cohesion.

Advantages cited for sektorspolicy include concentrated leverage where market failures are strongest, clearer accountability for results, and the ability to mobilize private investment through public signals. Critics warn of the risk of picking winners, misallocation of resources, regulatory capture, and potential distortions to price signals. Sektorspolicy remains a debated tool within the wider framework of industrial and innovation policy.