PolicyPlaner

PolicyPlaner is a software framework and methodological approach designed to support the planning and evaluation of public policies. It helps analysts structure policy questions, assemble relevant data, build and compare policy options, and communicate findings to decision makers. The goal is to make policy development more transparent, evidence-based, and auditable across the policy cycle.

Core features include a modular architecture that supports data integration from multiple sources, scenario and what-if modeling, and quantitative impact assessment. Users can create alternative policy options, project outcomes over time, and evaluate effects such as costs, benefits, distributional impacts, and risks. Visualization dashboards, reporting tools, and support for collaboration enable teams to share models, track revisions, and maintain an audit log. The platform typically supports workflow stages from problem framing and option generation to appraisal, implementation planning, and monitoring.

PolicyPlaner is used by government agencies, research institutes, think tanks, and international organizations to inform decision making, budget planning, and policy design. Typical workflows start with defining objectives and constraints, importing data, constructing scenarios, running simulations, and producing comparative analyses for stakeholders. The system emphasizes data governance, transparency, and reproducibility, with emphasis on documentation of assumptions and methodologies.

Design considerations include interoperability with open data standards, extensible modules or plug-ins, API access for external tools, privacy and security controls, and localization options. Limitations commonly involve data availability, model uncertainty, and the need for domain expertise to interpret results.

Related concepts include policy analysis, impact assessment, and decision-support systems.