EIMIN proposes to merge several public authorities, streamline activities
In order to reduce the administrative burden on business and to achieve management efficiency, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) proposes to merge the Lithuanian Standards Board with the National Accreditation Bureau and to transfer some of the functions that are delegated by the State to the National Metrology Institute to the Lithuanian Metrology Inspectorate. Reducing the bureaucratic burden is one of the priorities of the START plan presented by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation.
“Experience in other countries shows that merging institutions can improve coordination, reduce administrative costs and increase access to services. The key is to ensure that activities remain independent and adhere to international standards. We seek a balanced and responsible solution that benefits the State, business and consumers,” said Lukas Savickas, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The number of administrative and managerial staff of the National Accreditation Bureau, the Lithuanian Standards Board and the Lithuanian Metrology Inspectorate is assessed to be above the recommended threshold of more than 25% of the total staff. These functions should account for up to 15% of the total staff structure of the institution.
It is estimated that the merger of the National Accreditation Bureau and the Lithuanian Standards Board could save around EUR 300,000 per year by streamlining administrative functions alone. In addition, accessibility of services to business and the public would be improved, coordination of the quality infrastructure would be strengthened and resources would be used more efficiently.
The review of the functions of the Metrology Inspectorate and the National Metrology Institute would address the updating of national measurement unit standards (benchmarks). Currently, some of the equipment in use is physically obsolete and requires additional investment.
These solutions are proposed not only on the basis of national analysis, but also in the light of international practice. The analysis has shown that accreditation, metrology and standardisation are closely interlinked and form the backbone of a national quality infrastructure. Different models are used in different countries, but some of them opt for consolidation in order to achieve better coordination and lower costs.