Public services, programmes and organisational measures do not affect everyone in the same way. This project examines how such differences can be taken into account more effectively so that available resources can be used where they have the greatest impact. To this end, the research team is developing new measures that make it possible to estimate the best conceivable benefit of targeted interventions.
The project will first develop the necessary statistical methods and assess their properties through simulation studies. The methods will then be tested in two practical applications. One of these uses data from Switzerland’s Regional Employment Centres to examine digital recommendation systems designed to support the placement of jobseekers.
Data-driven decision-making systems are increasingly being used in both the public and private sectors. However, it is often difficult to assess how much scope there is for further improvement. The methods developed in this project will provide a scientific benchmark for evaluating that potential. They are intended to help organisations make more informed decisions about investments in new technologies and to improve existing systems in terms of effectiveness, transparency, and responsible use.
