Policy, Economic and Governance Research
Effective public decisions require a clear account of the problem, the policy options and their economic and institutional implications. IDER provides policy and economic research spanning governance, public expenditure, fiscal questions and public-sector performance. We combine quantitative evidence, stakeholder perspectives and institutional analysis to help governments and development partners understand constraints, assess trade-offs and identify practical choices for policy design, implementation and review.
The decision challenge
Policy choices often involve competing objectives, uneven evidence and constrained public resources. Decision-makers need to understand who is affected, how institutions influence implementation and what different options imply for expenditure, revenues and outcomes before committing to a particular course of action.
Questions we help you answer
- What does the evidence reveal about the policy problem and its underlying drivers?
- How do policy options compare in cost, distributional effects and feasibility?
- Which institutional or governance constraints could affect implementation?
What the research covers
How we build the evidence
- Review and synthesis of policy documents, administrative information and research evidence
- Economic, fiscal and distributional analysis matched to the policy question
- Key-informant interviews and consultations with relevant institutions and affected groups
- Institutional mapping and comparison of policy options and implementation assumptions
Decision-ready deliverables
Policy and economic research report with traceable sources and limitations
Policy-options matrix covering implications, costs and implementation considerations
Concise policy brief and presentation for decision-makers
Dissemination materials and evidence priorities for further policy development
What this enables you to decide
Compare policy choices, target further investigation and identify feasible implementation priorities. The findings support deliberation by making economic and institutional trade-offs explicit, while distinguishing evidence from interpretation and identifying where available information is insufficient for a firm conclusion.
Quality and interpretation
Questions, analytical assumptions and source periods are defined at design stage. We triangulate administrative and primary evidence, review calculations and examine limitations, with attention to confidentiality, political neutrality and a clear separation of findings from policy judgement.
Delivery, dissemination and use
Ghana is the operational base. Other country delivery is assessed against the required scope, expert capacity and local arrangements. Findings can be shared through technical reports, executive briefs, stakeholder workshops and programme learning sessions, with participant confidentiality and agreed publication permissions.
Related research services
Discuss a policy, economic and governance research assignment.
Discuss the questions, methods, expertise, timeframe and deliverables your decision needs.