beleidsimpactanalyses

Beleidsimpactanalyses are ex-ante assessments used by governments to estimate the potential effects of proposed policies before they are adopted. They aim to inform decision-making, improve policy design, and enhance accountability by making expected costs and benefits visible to policymakers and the public.

Typically, a beleidsimpactanalyse examines economic, social, environmental, and fiscal impacts, as well as administrative feasibility and implementation considerations. It often includes a comparison of different policy options, including the status quo, and analyzes distributional effects across affected groups. The analysis may employ methods such as cost–benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, regulatory impact assessment, and multi-criteria decision analysis. Where possible, monetization of gains and losses is used, but non-monetized effects are also documented.

The process generally follows scoping and problem definition, option development, data collection and modelling, impact estimation, uncertainty and risk assessment, and the preparation of an evidence base and recommendations. It concludes with a monitoring and evaluation plan to track actual outcomes after implementation.

Beleidsimpactanalyses are common in many governance contexts, including EU regulatory practices and national administrations. They support transparency by documenting assumptions, data sources, and limitations, and often involve stakeholder consultation. Critics note that forecasts can be uncertain, data may be limited, and monetization can oversimplify complex social effects; nonetheless, they are valued as a tool to improve design and value-for-money in public policy.