Traditional reforms were conceptually generated typically in the 1960s and 1970s in 'Western' countries. They were essentially meant to strengthen the politi and administrative institutions of the advanced ('neo-Keynesian') welfare state which, bearing 'social democratic' handwriting, aimed at improving political and administrative problem-solving capacity and to redress 'market failures' . The crucial frame if reference for the institutional reforms of this period was the expansive and active welfare state and its public sector .