SILPL

SILPL is an international research consortium that aims to improve how public policy information is collected, shared, and used to support evidence-based decision making. It coordinates researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across member institutions to develop interoperable data standards, analytic methods, and governance practices.

Activities include developing open standards for policy datasets, maintaining open-source software tools for data quality and visualization, publishing working papers and policy briefs, and hosting annual conferences. The organization operates a network of universities, think tanks, and government-affiliated centers; governance is carried out by a rotating board and thematic steering committees. Funding comes from research grants, membership dues, and philanthropic support.

History: SILPL was founded in the early 2010s by a coalition of universities and non-profit organizations seeking to standardize policy data and share best practices. It has since expanded to international collaboration and a broader range of policy domains.

Impact: its publications and tools have been cited by government agencies, international organizations, and academic researchers, and it has supported pilot programs to implement the Policy Data Standard framework. The consortium is often referenced as a resource for data-driven policy analysis and for promoting transparency in policy data practices.

Criticism and reception: observers note concerns about geographic representation and dependence on grant funding; in response, SILPL issues transparency reports and promotes inclusive governance and open participation.