Public Policy Evaluation Conference

Round Table 1: "Architects, engineers and plumbers: the professions of economic policy".

France has a fine tradition of economic engineers who seek to fine-tune the economic "machine" to achieve optimum efficiency in both micro and macroeconomic fields. However, globalization, the financial crisis and, more generally, the interaction of players with diverse objectives have given rise to a more "systemic" approach to economic policy: a fine engine room is not enough to make good economic policy. It is necessary to ensure that the incentives of all parties contribute to the common good, and to erect safeguards; in a word, to build a robust "architecture". However, economic policy is also a matter for "plumbers". Plumbers know that the same "machine" will function differently depending on the room in which it is installed, the identity of the technicians who work around it, and the operating instructions at their disposal (with the hazards of translation). Engineers, architects and plumbers: how can we combine the three trades to improve economic policy in both advanced and developing economies?

Moderated by: Michel Houdebine (DG Trésor)
Speakers:
- Esther Duflo (MIT, J-PAL, Paris School of Economics),
- Jean Pisani-Ferry (Hertie School of Governance and Sciences Po),

- Hélène Rey (London Business School)


Round Table 2: "Evaluating, and after? "

The evaluation of public policies has come a long way in France, particularly with the increasing openness of administrative data. However, the culture of evaluation has not yet spread throughout the administration. Above all, the link between evaluation and public decision-making is still relatively tenuous. Conversely, evaluation does not always deliver the clear-cut results expected of it. And yet, the desire to substantially reduce public spending makes it more important than ever to make good use of evaluation. How can the evaluation circuit in France be better organized? How can we raise awareness among decision-makers? How can we establish a consensus on results? How can this consensus be developed?

Moderated by: Marie-Christine Lepetit (Inspection Générale des Finances)
Speakers:
- Antoine Bozio (Institut des Politiques Publiques),
- Stefano Scarpetta (OECD),
- Jean-Luc Tavernier (INSEE).

Program committee:
- Agnès Bénassy-Quéré, Université Paris 1 and Conseil d'Analyse Économique
- Xavier Bonnet, General Commissariat for Sustainable Development
- Antoine Bozio, EHESS, PSE and Institut des Politiques Publiques
- Martine Carré-Tallon, Paris-Dauphine University
- Brigitte Dormont, Paris-Dauphine University
- Michel Houdebine, Treasury Department
- Rémy Lecat, Banque de France
- Fabrice Lenglart, France Stratégie
- Claire Loupias, Direction Générale du Trésor
- Selma Mahfouz, Research, Studies and Statistics Department
- Guy de Monchy, Association Française de Science Economique
- Jean-Eudes Moncomble, French Energy Council
- Katheline Schubert, PSE, Université Paris 1
- Xavier Timbeau, Observatoire Français des Conjonctures Économiques
- Étienne Wasmer, Sciences Po Paris and LIEPP