Enhancing Capacity for Evidence-Based Policymaking: the Role of Economic Evaluation Standards

This commentary will describe some ongoing activities that are moving the federal government toward stronger use of evidence in decision-making. In particular, the work of the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking points to directions that have implications for capacity building and the institutionalization of economic evaluation, as well as mechanisms and resources that could make economic evaluation more feasible. Bipartisan legislation incorporates many of the recommendations of the Commission and reinforces efforts already underway at individual agencies as well as among interagency groups. Understanding the current context of evidence-based policymaking in the federal government can enable economic researchers to better influence the processes of capacity building, shape the designs of evaluations, and inform decision-making. The commentary highlights areas where further elaboration of economic evaluation principles could be useful to support evidence building, implementation, and program improvement.