Policy Evaluation and the Concepts of Deadweight and Additionality

Abstract

This article examines the nature of policy evaluation with particular reference to the twin concepts of deadweight and additionality. Two different perspectives on evaluation are presented, namely: (a) a 'control' model based on assessing the value for money of a policy intervention where emphasis is often placed on the measurement of deadweight and additionality and (b) a 'helping' model where the emphasis is on providing feedback on the policy or program in question, thereby leading to a mutual learning process. A critical analysis is presented of the way in which the concepts of deadweight and additionality are treated in evaluations, with evidence drawn from the evaluation of various industrial support schemes in Northern Ireland.