åtgärdsmål

åtgärdsmål refers to a specific type of objective used in the planning and evaluation of public policy, programs, or projects. The term comes from Swedish and literally translates to “action goal”. It denotes a target that is intended to be achieved through a concrete set of actions or interventions. Unlike broader outcome-oriented goals that focus on final results, åtgärdsmål are more operational and are often used to guide the design of feasibility studies, impact assessments and monitoring frameworks.

In Swedish policy-making, åtgärdsmål are commonly articulated in the forms of “överlappande mål” (cross-cutting goals) and “delmål” (sub‑goals). They are a key component of the policy cycle, appearing in the stages of problem definition, strategy development, and performance measurement. Because the goals are tied directly to action, they lend themselves to quantitative indicators that can be used for progress reporting and accountability. For example, a city council might set an åtgärdsmål to reduce traffic congestion by 15% in five years through the implementation of bike lanes and a congestion pricing scheme.

The concept has parallels in international governance literature, where “intermediate targets” or “transition goals” appear in sustainability agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals or climate change mitigation plans. The Swedish use of åtgärdsmål emphasizes a pragmatic, step‑by‑step approach, ensuring that each policy measure can be directly linked to an measurable outcome.

By focusing on actionable, easily monitored objectives, åtgärdsmål helps decision makers break down large ambitions into manageable, evidence‑based steps, enhancing transparency and policy effectiveness.