policyunderlag

Policyunderlag is a term used in public administration to describe the set of background materials, analyses, and evidence that form the foundation for a policy proposal or decision. It is produced by a government department or agency and presented to ministers, committees, or parliament as part of the decision-making package. The aim is to provide a clear, evidence-based basis for choosing among policy options and to support accountability and transparency in the policy process.

Typical components include problem description and objectives; policy options; impact analyses covering economic, social, and environmental effects; cost estimates and financial analysis; legal and regulatory considerations; implementation and governance arrangements; monitoring and evaluation plans; risk assessment and mitigation strategies; stakeholder input and consultation summaries; data sources, methodologies, and assumptions.

Process: policyunderlag is prepared during policy formulation, reviewed within the ministry or agency, and may be opened to consultations with external stakeholders before final approval. After decision, the underlag informs the legislative or regulatory package and the later evaluation track.

Significance: it supports evidence-based policymaking, helps compare alternatives, and serves as a public record for transparency.

Context: The concept is common in Nordic public administration and other European systems; while the exact requirements vary, the underlying principle is to document the rationale and expected effects of a policy proposal.

See also: policy analysis and impact assessment.