Developing a More Systematic Approach to Evaluation Across Policy Instruments

This document discusses the challenges Germany faces in developing a more systematic approach to evaluating policy instruments. It notes that several actors in Germany are responsible for conducting ex post evaluations of government actions, including the Federal Parliament, Court of Auditors, Constitutional Court, and Government. However, it identifies seven key challenges: 1) clearly defining what should be evaluated and who is affected; 2) focusing analyses on the right areas; 3) using the right evaluation instruments; 4) ensuring data is meaningful and accessible; 5) effectively communicating evaluation results; 6) understanding cumulative effects of policies; and 7) avoiding getting stuck in repetitive evaluation cycles. The document argues that overcoming these challenges can lead to more rewarding outcomes.