Strukturjustering

Strukturjustering refers to planned changes to the structure of an economy, organization, or sector with the aim of increasing efficiency, competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The term is used across contexts, including macroeconomic policy and organizational reform. In macroeconomics, strukturjustering often accompanies stabilization efforts, focusing on the underlying structure of the economy rather than short-term demand management.

In macro policy, typical measures include privatization of state-owned enterprises, deregulation, tax reform, pension and labor-market reforms, liberalization of trade and capital markets, and reforms to public sector governance and budgeting.

In organizational or administrative settings, strukturjustering describes the restructuring of a company, municipality or government agency to improve efficiency and service delivery. Common steps include process redesign, consolidation of functions, outsourcing of non-core activities, workforce adjustments, and investments in digitalization and data-driven management.

Evaluation and risks: structural reforms can entail short-term costs for workers and households, with distributional effects and political resistance. Success depends on careful design, sequencing, stakeholder engagement, and adequate social protection during transition.

The concept is widely used in Europe and beyond; in the 20th century it is associated with IMF-supported structural adjustment programs in developing countries, while in business and public administration contexts it denotes internal reorganizations aimed at sustainable performance.