The report presents a summary of the international evaluation of the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE and its results. The report was drawn up by the independent evaluation group appointed by the Ministry of the Environment in May 2020. Its task was to evaluate the relevance and quality of the activities of SYKE especially from the following perspectives: 1) quality and impact of the expert services, 2) societal impact and sustainability leadership, 3) cooperation and role in networks and 4) foresight and innovation.

The findings and recommendations of the evaluation group are based on the quantitative and qualitative background materials provided to the group and interviews with leaders and key researchers of SYKE, representatives of the Ministry of the Environment selected by the Ministry, and stakeholder representatives.

The evaluation group considers that SYKE is a progressive research institute that is widely appreciated in society. It produces research and expertise of a high standard and its societal impact is significant. The evaluators identified possibilities for development in making an impact in both national and international contexts, where SYKE could show even stronger societal leadership as a promoter of sustainable development. The group proposes numerous recommendations relating to this.

The evaluation was conducted during June-September 2020.