Foreword

In „the year after“ – by which we mean theyear after the evaluation –, we have undergone another drastic structural change, butby the end of 2003, the reorganization of the PTB will be completed for good. The new organization is characterized by the elimination of one hierarchical level and more flexible structures on the working level and will allow us to react more flexibly and without a lot of red tape to future challenges and to master them. The expectations the PTB had of the evaluation and of the excellent overall assessment have not (yet) been met completely. But small successes, too, are an encouragement to us, and we assume that what has been put off – not least because of empty government coffers – will not be completely abandoned. Here the Federal Minister has pledged his word. Internally, we have largely implemented the recommendations of the evaluation commission, for example in the structural reform by clearly structuring our strategic processes and in the assessment of the work results achieved including our customers' opinion –, and by the well-aimed promotion of technology transfer. Undisputably, the result of the evaluation has also strengthened our scientific and technical reputation – which is important especially in times when money is short and state-funded research often attacked wholesale, and thus also in an unqualified way. Evaluation and restructuring have demanded a great deal of us and have bound resources. Especially the latter has generated a good deal of frictional heat. This report should, however, convince you that we may be proud of our technical work. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all members of our staff for their undaunted work and commitment. From now on, the technical work will have absolute priority again, and the PTB management will support this with all its might.