Reorganization of the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, to improve the quality and responsiveness of scientific advice for management and conservation under the ecosystem approach

To meet increasing demands for management advice based on science and monitoring conducted in accordance with the ecosystem approach, the Board of the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), decided to reorganize the institute in 2002-2003. By 2004, IMR had been restructured from a classic, hierarchical organization with separate research departments, divisions and thematic programs, to an integrated institute with a flat structure of research groups and ecosystem based programs with a common infrastructure. The process of reorganization was coordinated by a core group of scientific and administrative leaders, together with representatives from the employees' unions. Several committees were appointed with specific mandates to evaluate, suggest, or develop structural elements of the existing or evolving organization. In general, most of the institute's staff and organizational units were supportive during the development and implementation of the new organizational structure. The advantages as well as the disadvantages of the new organization relative to the old organization are considered.