Policymakers working in the fields of science, innovation, entrepreneurship and business policy face complex and continuously evolving challenges which often lack clear solutions. Many options may be considered, but typically only one is taken forward. Under pressure to act, this is usually an existing approach. Could other options have proved more effective? Could new solutions be explored? If so, how can we tell which ones work?

This learning programme will give participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve the way that their organisations design, run and evaluate policy programmes. It builds on the Innovation Growth Lab’s years of experience helping governments around the world to develop and test new ideas systematically, putting in place structures to enable learning and drive impact. 

What will you learn?

During this course, you will:

• Identify policy and programme challenges in your own organisations that could be addressed through the application of experimental approaches, and select one idea to develop throughout the programme.
• Develop a more scientific approach to solving policy challenges, from developing theories of change to testing hypotheses on the ground.
• Learn what policy experimentation is, and the range of methods that can be applied to improve programme design and implementation, including Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), ethnographic research, and human-centred design. 
• Learn how data science methods can be applied to develop more effective programmes.
• Develop the skills to successfully commission randomised evaluations for policies or programmes.
• Learn how to build a culture of evidence and evaluation in your organisation.

How will the programme be structured and run?

This programme will be highly practical and interactive, combining participatory online workshops, experiential learning, and take away activities to help participants explore the application of these methods to their own organisational contexts and programmes. The group will be small, capped at 20 participants to ensure that there is sufficient time to focus on the challenges that each individual brings, and to enable the development of a supportive peer community. 

The programme will consist of a set of core modules, delivered online over a period of six months, along with some optional sessions on specific topics (to be determined based on participants' interests).

Who is this programme for?

The course is intended for policymakers, programme managers, designers and implementers working in areas relating to science, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business policy. No previous experience of running policy experiments or special knowledge of econometrics or statistics is required - the course will be structured as an introduction to the principles and practices of experimentation in government agencies.

Expressions of interest and registration timeline

We are currently accepting expressions of interest in participating in this programme.  Please register your interest in taking part at this link. The cost per individual participant will be £1,500 (plus VAT) and will include (if desired) an online ‘introduction to policy experimentation’ workshop run by IGL for your organisation.

If you are interested in the content of the training but would prefer a different format (e.g. a longer or shorter time commitment, or a programme designed to be delivered to colleagues from across your own organisation only) please let us know in the comment section or by emailing us directly on: [email protected]