Evaluation of the 2015-2020 strategic period and Mercator 2025 strategy

The Mercator Foundation sees itself as a learning institution. At the end of each five-year strategic period it is therefore evaluated by an independent panel.

The evaluation panel began its work at an inaugural meeting in late September 2018. It was chaired by Professor Dr. Wolfgang Marquardt, chairman of the Jülich Research Centre. The other panel members were Prof. Dr. Peter Fauser, former Professor of School Education and Development and co-founder of both the German School Prize and the Imaginata Jena; Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller, Robert Bosch Senior Fellow at the Center for the U.S. and Europe at the Brookings Institution; Prof. Dr. Otfried Jarren, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Zurich and chairman of the Mercator Foundation’s last evaluation panel; Ina Wietheger, partner at Roland Berger GmbH; Dr. Michael Schlagheck, Principal of the Essen Diocese Catholic Academy “Die Wolfsburg”; Gabriele Stein, independent management consultant and voluntary chair of Amnesty International; Christiane Schlötzer, “Süddeutsche Zeitung” newspaper and Prof. Dr. Jur. Jürgen Rüttgers, lawyer, honorary professor and politician.

The entire evaluation process was supported by the technopolis group, a research and consultancy institute.

In the course of the evaluation there was a particular focus on the appraisal of the Foundation’s main areas in the clusters of Climate Change, Cultural Education, Europe and Integration in respect of their performance levels and achievement of objectives, with suggestions being made for enhancements. The Mercator Foundation’s organisation and self-perception were also examined. In addition, the evaluation panel looked at what new issues and objectives the Foundation should address in the future.

The panel’s report and recommendations in relation to the Mercator Foundation’s 2008-2014 strategic period can be read here.