Executive Summary

This course develops the capacity of professionals to design and implement economic policies grounded in reliable evidence and data.

Participants will explore methods for collecting, analyzing, and applying economic data to improve the quality, efficiency, and impact of public decision-making.

The course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on exercises and showcases successful national and international models of evidence-based policymaking.

Introduction

In today’s complex economic environment, governments must move beyond intuition and rely on robust evidence to craft effective public policies.

Evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) bridges the gap between data and action by using analytical tools, field studies, and institutional learning to improve outcomes.

This course provides a systematic framework for integrating data and research into all phases of policy development, implementation, and evaluation.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concept and importance of evidence-based policy in economics
• Identify and evaluate sources of economic evidence
• Analyze policy problems using data-driven tools
• Design economic policies based on solid analytical findings
• Use evidence in policy evaluation and reform
• Build institutional mechanisms that embed evidence in decision-making

Target Audience

• Officials from ministries of economy, planning, finance, and development
• Economic advisors and policy analysts
• Researchers and staff in think tanks and policy institutes
• Professionals in international development agencies
• Program evaluators and decision-makers in social and economic fields

Training Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Evidence-Based Policy

• Definition, principles, and benefits of EBPM

• Comparing traditional vs. evidence-based approaches

• The policy cycle and entry points for evidence

• Challenges and enabling factors in government settings

• Case studies: global examples of EBPM success

Day 2: Types and Sources of Economic Evidence

• Quantitative vs. qualitative economic data

• Primary and secondary data sources

• Macro and microeconomic indicators

• Open data platforms and access to reliable information

• Using evaluations, field experiments, and studies as evidence

Day 3: Analyzing Evidence and Interpreting Data

• Tools for economic data analysis (descriptive and inferential)

• Biases and limitations in interpreting data

• Cost-benefit analysis and comparative policy tools

• Linking data insights to policy challenges

• Hands-on exercises with real datasets

Day 4: Designing Evidence-Based Policies

• Steps in drafting a policy informed by data

• Writing an effective economic policy brief

• Feasibility and impact analysis of policy proposals

• Stakeholder engagement and knowledge integration

• Policy modeling and simulation techniques

Day 5: Evaluation and Policy Learning

• Approaches for evaluating economic policy impact

• Designing performance indicators based on evidence

• Using evaluation findings to refine policy

• Institutionalizing learning and adaptive governance

• Workshop: Develop a policy proposal based on data and analysis

Conclusion

This course provides a practical and strategic approach to developing economic policies that are both data-informed and outcome-oriented.

It empowers participants to apply evidence throughout the policy cycle, enhancing the effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability of public decisions.