CERP) sessscnin ance BUILDING CAPACITY TO USE RESEARCH EVIDENCE (BCURE): Data and Evidence for Smart Policy Design The Center for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) is implementing BCURE in ce ee UR dace ecco hCch Orr ic! SR ae Se ee cue ics eae cee Oe cc ect) PE Oe et Cae BACKGROUND AND AIMS Greater use of data and research evidence by policy makers has the potential to ‘dramatically improve policy effectiveness. It can lead to poverty reduction and enhanced socio-economic wellbeing in Pakistan. ‘The BCURE programme in Pakistan seeks to build a ‘culture of evidence’ where using evidence to inform policy decisions becomes the norm among a broad set of policy actors. The programme aims to do this through a comprehensive capacity building initiative to increase the use of rigorous data and research evidence by Pakistani policymakers. TEAM Implemented in collaboration with Evidence for Policy Design (EPOD) at Harvard University, CERP is delivering the BCURE programme in Pakistan. CERP has additionally partnered with the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) ~ the ‘apex organisation for training civil servants in Pakistan ~as well as a number of local organisations from civil society, the private sector, and the media. EVIDENCE FOR POLICY DESIGN ‘Center forinternational Development Harvard UanerityACTIVITIES BCURE features four primary activities: 1. ASSESSMENT ‘An innovative assessment of the individual, organisational, and institutional barriers to the use of data and evidence in policy ‘making which will help determine where data and evidence can make inroads in Pakistan. ‘The focus of the assessment will primarily be on civil servants, with the support of NSPP. However, CERP will also engage with other players in the political sphere and civil society. As an approach, CERP will draw on a wide range of tools and disciplines including ‘organisational science, psychology, behavioural economics and political science. Why are we doing this? To give us a baseline understanding of the factors affecting evidence use in policymaking in Pakistan, and to guide the design of the training platform developed as the second activity under BCURE. 2. TRAINING PLATFORM Accutting-edge and scalable online training platform will strengthen individual capacity among policy actors, building on recent developments in pedagogical methods. Training materials will be developed by the Harvard team with support from NSPP. They will utlise an online platform, such as edX, to integrate them into NSPP's curricula for the benefit of civil servants trained at the institute. These modules can also be integrated into other relevant training programmes. Why are we doing this? To build demand and skills for use of data and evidence in policymaking, ina way which is interactive, engaging and ultimately delivers results. 3. PILOT PROJECTS Pilot projects will fill gaps in using data for policy design and implementa- tion. High-potential projects that build systems for policymakers to gather, analyse, and apply relevant data and evidence will be funded through a competitive process, These projects will be incubated by the programme team at GERP and EPoD, Harvard through ongoing mentoring and techni- cal support Why are we doing this? To demonstrate the value of integrating data and evidence in policies, and build demand for similar policy pilots in the future. 4, POLICY DIALOGUES CERP will host a number of policy dialogues which will bring together key stakeholders from government, political Parties, military, private sector, civil society, academia and the media to discuss key policy issues. The first such dialogue in March 2014 is a collaboration with NSPP and the Planning Commission and focuses an the topic of civil service reform in Pakistan. Why are we doing this? To build greater consensus around the value of evidence-based policy in Pakistan. CONTACT CERP Do you think your department or orgenisation could benefit from the training platform developed under ECURE? Do you have ideas for data-driven pilot ERD projects? If so, or for more information about CERP’s BCURE programme in Pakistan, please contact us at contact@cerp.org.pk or on +82-(0}42-3586 6304 Center fr Economic Research in Pakistan