Abstract
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) was established in 1988 and headquartered in Rome as a national public research institution to promote, develop and disseminate scientific and technological research applied to the space and aerospace sector. Given its statutory, regulatory, scientific, organizational, financial, administrative, patrimonial and accounting autonomy, ASI coordinates and manages national projects as well as Italian participation in European and international projects. In 2013 the Agency adopted the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) as a tool for measuring, assessing and improving organizational performance, in compliance the national regulatory requirement to measure and assess organizational performance (Italian Legislative Decree No. 150/2009) and carried out thereafter three self-assessments.
When, starting on February 23, 2020, the Italian government declared a state of national emergency and adopted urgent measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Italian Space Agency had to reorganize the home office, by improving flexible working and ensuring the adoption of online communication platforms to hold meetings. What were the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the Agency, its mission and daily management? And which role did the CAF play in preparing for and managing the crisis?
The aim of the case study is to evaluate the overall positive and negative effects of the crisis on the Agency´s activities and to determine several innovative practices and lessons learned for improving the preparedness of public administrations. Which role can the CAF play in strengthening the resilience in the public sector?