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| First the objectives and targets of the policy intervention must be defined. |
Six stages of the policy process are identified. The factsheets give practical and general advices for each of these stages:
1. Definition of objectives and targets: First the objectives and targets of the policy intervention must be defined. The more concrete these definitions are, the more tangible their assessment in later stages can be. Ideally, targets are connected to specific target values, or indicators. If objectives and targets remain vague, it becomes difficult to define suitable and effective policies. Factsheet 1
2. Creating an inventory of possible policy measures: Once objectives and targets have been agreed upon, an inventory of suitable measures can be set up. Each of these measures must be evaluated with respect to acceptability, effectiveness, efficiency, potential barriers and their causal relationship to other measures. The output is a decision on one or more primary measures that function as the core foundation of the policy package. Factsheet 2
3. Assessment of policies and policy package: The primary measure is assessed here, with the aim to predict in as much detail as possible impacts and to quantify effectiveness. Factsheet 3
4. Expansion of package and amendment of measures: If the primary measure is considered insufficient in any respect, further ancillary measures can be supplemented into a policy package. Based on further assessment (stage 3), the policy package can be further refined. This process iterates until a satisfactory output is reached. Factsheet 4
5. Implementation of package: Factsheet 5
6. Monitoring and evaluation: Once the package has been implemented, the effects must be monitored and evaluated and, if necessary, corrective actions taken. Factsheet 6
In addition, the report explores in further detail indicators and tools for the assessment of policy packages; the management of barriers; and issues of transferability.
In real life, the boundaries between the stages are evidently not that clear and, importantly, a policy packaging and implementation process does not necessarily follow any fixed order.
Besides implementation, stages 3 and 4 (assesment and amendment) are likely to be the most demanding with regards to necessary time and resources. However, careful work in stages 1 and 2 (defining objectives and creating inventory) will help improve the whole packaging process.
The recommendations in the report are based on theoretical elaborations and empirical evidence analysed in the Optic project.
Executive summary (including factsheets)
Final report - Deliverable 6:
Best practices and recommendations on policy packaging