Principles of Evidence-Based Policymaking

Abstract

This brief describes four principles of evidence-based policymaking that policymakers, agency heads, and other public leaders can use to improve results in the public sector. These principles represent the consensus of researchers and practitioners from different backgrounds who are interested in improving how policy decisions are made and how programs are managed. Our democratic process sets goals for policies and programs, and evidence-based policymaking is an important tool to help achieve those goals.