Learning through Experimentation in European Cohesion Policy

Under the joint strategic initiative “Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation of Innovation Programs in the EU,” novel approaches to policymaking are currently being piloted. The objective is to test new practices and generate new knowledge, that – if successful - can be scaled both across the European Union and beyond.

In this seminar, the first ongoing Cohesion Policy Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) will be presented. Policy experimentation – via RCTs - plays a crucial role in informing evidence-based policymaking and promoting effective interventions. The seminar will discuss how RCTs have been instrumental in designing and evaluating interventions aimed at promoting effective learning interaction between policy makers and researchers, expanding outreach to and participation of beneficiaries, simplifying application processes, and introducing complementary interventions. The presentations at the seminar will highlight the launch of pioneering RCTs in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain showcasing how these trials are helping identify effective strategies for achieving policy objectives.

Throughout the day, speakers from various countries will share their experiences and insights on evidence-based policymaking, policy experimentation, and the use of counterfactual impact analysis. You will hear from policy makers such as Martin Hirsch (Former High Commissioner, France), Monica Martinez-Bravo (Secretary General of Inclusion Policy Lab, Spain), as well as researchers such as Namrata Kala (MIT), and David McKenzie (World Bank), who will discuss their experiences to introducing experimentation into policymaking.

This event is an opportunity to gain practical insights, learn from experts, and contribute to the advancement learning and experimentation in European cohesion policy. Join us for a day of knowledge sharing and networking.

For in-person participation at DG REGIO in Brussels, please register until April 24^th. Registered participants will be able to participate remotely via Teams. Register now HERE or scan the QR code below. Connection and logistics details will be provided once the registration is submitted.

OPENING REMARKS

• Peter Berkowitz, Director of DG REGIO Policy
• Marina Wes, Country Director of the World Bank

SPEAKERS

Martin Hirsch - Civil Servant, Former High Commissioner, France

Mónica Martinez-Bravo – Secretary General of Inclusion at the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Spain

Vasile Asandei – Director, Northeast Region, Romania

Lucila Castro – Project Manager at FUNDECYT-PCTEX, Extremadura, Spain

Radana Kratochvílová – Ministry of Environment, Czech Republic

Deni Nurkić – Scientific Portfolio Manager at Scinergy '24, Project Co-Lead Nuqleus, Croatia

Namrata Kala – Associate Professor in the Applied Economics group at MIT Sloan

David McKenzie – Lead Economist, World Bank

Alaka Holla – Senior Economist, World Bank

Cillian Nolan – Executive Director, J-PAL Europe

Jochen Kluve – Director Evaluation, KfW Development Bank, and Professor of Economics,  Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

CLOSING REMARKS

Enrico Pesaresi, Deputy Head of the Evaluation Unit, DG REGIO

Leonardo Iacovone, Lead Economist, FCI, World Bank

Thomas Andreou, Head of Unit, DG EMPL.G.5, Better Regulation