Evidence-Informed Policy from an International Perspective

Abstract

This article discusses the history of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in development economics and the ways in which their use has shaped disciplinary practices and development policy over the past two decades. We first explain how increased use of academic-run RCTs internationally has led to important methodological breakthroughs that have advanced our knowledge of human behavior as well as changes in how research is conducted, including routine practice of in-field apprenticeships for young researchers and the establishment of robust research infrastructure in numerous developing countries around the world. We then explore three ways in which the scale-up of evidence-informed programs and policies based on findings from RCTs have achieved real-world impact, giving examples for each. These include how rigorous evidence can help to resolve contentious policy debates; enable policy-makers to assess external validity of findings and draw lessons across contexts; and support institutionalization of evidence use in various types of organizations.