Von finanziellen Mitteln zu öffentlichen Leistungen und Wirkungen – der ‚administrative Throughput‘ und wirkungsorientierte Steuerung am Beispiel des Sondervermögens für Infrastruktur und Klimaneutralität

Abstract

Abstract Germany’s 500 billion Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) has settled how public infrastructure will be financed, but not to which extent the funds will be transformed to public services and outcomes, within the envisioned time frame. This article argues that public funds are inputs which conversion depends on ‘administrative throughput’ ( Fratesi et al. 2026). Performance management frameworks in public sector budgeting usually purposefully do not focus on this part of performance, due to the logic of managerial freedom for administrative actors. The article examines the first SVIK monitoring report that aimed to enhance performance orientation in the management of public funds in Germany, but which in large parts – due to the funds’ nature – remains largely input-driven. The author suggests the consideration of process indicators (administrative throughput) in the further development of the monitoring and according performance measurement system.