Sensemaking
#23Key Findings
Latvia performs relatively poorly (rank 23) in the category of sensemaking.
An innovation lab is tasked with fostering public administration problem-solving, but lacks strategic foresight capacity and exploring diverse future scenarios. Strategic plans do not extensively explore multiple potential outcomes and varied scenarios.
Regulatory impact assessments are somewhat formal. Assessments are rarely updated as a draft law changes during the parliamentary process. Stakeholders are sometimes involved, but the extent and depth varies. The reviews include issues such as environmental sustainability and climate neutrality.
Ex post evaluations, if conducted, are carried out either by ministries or by external consultants. Policy planning documents also undergo post-implementation evaluations.
An innovation lab is tasked with fostering public administration problem-solving, but lacks strategic foresight capacity and exploring diverse future scenarios. Strategic plans do not extensively explore multiple potential outcomes and varied scenarios.
Regulatory impact assessments are somewhat formal. Assessments are rarely updated as a draft law changes during the parliamentary process. Stakeholders are sometimes involved, but the extent and depth varies. The reviews include issues such as environmental sustainability and climate neutrality.
Ex post evaluations, if conducted, are carried out either by ministries or by external consultants. Policy planning documents also undergo post-implementation evaluations.
To what extent can the central government foster the capacity for strategic foresight and anticipatory innovation within its organization?
10
9
9
The central government can foster the capacity for strategic foresight and anticipatory innovation within its organization.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the time, the central government can foster the capacity for strategic foresight and anticipatory innovation within its organization.
5
4
3
4
3
The central government is rarely capable of fostering the capacity for strategic foresight and anticipatory innovation within its organization.
2
1
1
The central government is not capable of fostering the capacity for strategic foresight and anticipatory innovation within its organization.
In late 2018, the State Chancellery of Latvia initiated a project to bolster the innovation culture in public administration, aligning with the Public Administration Reform Plan 2020. Initially, three interdisciplinary labs were established, focusing on reducing administrative burdens, strategic human resource management, and enhancing the public administration’s reputation. By the end of 2019, these labs merged into a single innovation lab. This lab continues to foster innovative problem-solving in public administration; however, it needs more capacity to provide strategic foresight and anticipatory innovations as it focuses on policy issues.
Innovations in Latvia’s public sector include various projects. The Ministry of Health has improved written communication through initiatives like “Friday Advice.” The “Una” virtual assistant, powered by AI, enhances customer service quality for the Enterprise Register. The e-kvits system streamlines data submission for healthcare service expenses, facilitating tax filing. The Central Finance and Contracting Agency employs user experience (UX) design thinking to enhance the Cohesion Project Information System, automating specific project-related checks. Additionally, Latvia hosted its first policy-maker hackathon – fostering collaboration between policy creators and entrepreneurs to enhance 5G technology implementation in the Baltic region and the EU. So far, Latvia has a project-based approach to strategic foresight with limited impact on the policymaking system (Valsts Kanceleja, 2023).
To support public institutions, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD) in Latvia has developed a simplified evaluation methodology for website and mobile app accessibility, available on their website. The methodology includes guidelines for assessing compliance impact and developing accessibility notices. The MoEPRD also offers two training courses focusing on user-oriented content and managing online information, aimed at improving skills in public administration information provision and accessibility. These initiatives have seen significant participation from public administration staff and have included several webinars and conferences to further promote digital accessibility.
There is a growing demand for evidence-based knowledge in policymaking, but this demand varies between line ministries and specific factors of the policies. The evidence-based approach has a limited impact on strategic policymaking processes and is poorly reflected in strategic documents. Even the white papers, which serve as medium-term documents, reflect alternative policies. Usually, the policy to be accepted is justified, while other alternatives are rejected. As critical policy designers, the ministries strongly rely on their “in-house” knowledge, where alternatives are subject to non-review.
The Innovation Laboratory’s current sprint process, which seeks solutions to submitted problems and concludes with a prototype, takes approximately 1.5 to 3 months. Given the laboratory’s recent inception and the novelty of its participation methods, assessing its real impact is challenging. Funding for expanding innovation practices and environmental development from 2021 to 2029 amounts to €1.3 million, with 85% from the European Regional Development Fund and 15% from the national budget (Labs of Latvia, 2023; Valsts Kanceleja, 2023).
The strategic plans currently lack a diverse range of future scenarios and possibilities, indicating a more linear approach to planning. Multiple potential outcomes and varied scenarios are not extensively explored or considered.
Citations:
Valsts kanceleja. 2023. “Inovācijas laboratorija.” https://inovacija.mk.gov.lv/lv/kas-mes-esam/
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Par Valsts pārvaldes modernizācijas plānu 2023.–2027. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/341706-par-valsts-parvaldes-modernizacijas-planu-2023-2027-gadam
Valsts kanceleja. “Laba prakse Latvijā.” https://inovacija.mk.gov.lv/lv/category/laba-prakse-latvija/
Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrija. 2022. “Ziņojums par piekļūstamību.” https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/zinojums-par-pieklustamibu
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Fobé, E., Škarica, M., Reinholde I., et al. 2022. Evidence-Informed Policy Making: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/81339
Labs of Latvia. 2023. “Inovācijas laboratorijā uzlabos sabiedrībai nozīmīgu pakalpojumu kvalitāti.” https://labsoflatvia.com/aktuali/uzlabos-sabiedribai-nozimigu-pakalpojumu-kvalitati
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 543 Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmas 2021.–2027. gadam 1.3.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa “Izmantot digitalizācijas priekšrocības iedzīvotājiem, uzņēmumiem, pētniecības organizācijām un publiskajām iestādēm” 1.3.1.2. pasākuma “Inovācijas laboratorija digitalizācijas priekšrocību izmantošanai” īstenošanas noteikumi. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/345849-eiropas-savienibas-kohezijas-politikas-programmas-2021-2027-gadam-1-3-1-specifiska-atbalsta-merka-izmantot-digitalizacijas (accessed 21.01.2024)
Innovations in Latvia’s public sector include various projects. The Ministry of Health has improved written communication through initiatives like “Friday Advice.” The “Una” virtual assistant, powered by AI, enhances customer service quality for the Enterprise Register. The e-kvits system streamlines data submission for healthcare service expenses, facilitating tax filing. The Central Finance and Contracting Agency employs user experience (UX) design thinking to enhance the Cohesion Project Information System, automating specific project-related checks. Additionally, Latvia hosted its first policy-maker hackathon – fostering collaboration between policy creators and entrepreneurs to enhance 5G technology implementation in the Baltic region and the EU. So far, Latvia has a project-based approach to strategic foresight with limited impact on the policymaking system (Valsts Kanceleja, 2023).
To support public institutions, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD) in Latvia has developed a simplified evaluation methodology for website and mobile app accessibility, available on their website. The methodology includes guidelines for assessing compliance impact and developing accessibility notices. The MoEPRD also offers two training courses focusing on user-oriented content and managing online information, aimed at improving skills in public administration information provision and accessibility. These initiatives have seen significant participation from public administration staff and have included several webinars and conferences to further promote digital accessibility.
There is a growing demand for evidence-based knowledge in policymaking, but this demand varies between line ministries and specific factors of the policies. The evidence-based approach has a limited impact on strategic policymaking processes and is poorly reflected in strategic documents. Even the white papers, which serve as medium-term documents, reflect alternative policies. Usually, the policy to be accepted is justified, while other alternatives are rejected. As critical policy designers, the ministries strongly rely on their “in-house” knowledge, where alternatives are subject to non-review.
The Innovation Laboratory’s current sprint process, which seeks solutions to submitted problems and concludes with a prototype, takes approximately 1.5 to 3 months. Given the laboratory’s recent inception and the novelty of its participation methods, assessing its real impact is challenging. Funding for expanding innovation practices and environmental development from 2021 to 2029 amounts to €1.3 million, with 85% from the European Regional Development Fund and 15% from the national budget (Labs of Latvia, 2023; Valsts Kanceleja, 2023).
The strategic plans currently lack a diverse range of future scenarios and possibilities, indicating a more linear approach to planning. Multiple potential outcomes and varied scenarios are not extensively explored or considered.
Citations:
Valsts kanceleja. 2023. “Inovācijas laboratorija.” https://inovacija.mk.gov.lv/lv/kas-mes-esam/
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Par Valsts pārvaldes modernizācijas plānu 2023.–2027. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/341706-par-valsts-parvaldes-modernizacijas-planu-2023-2027-gadam
Valsts kanceleja. “Laba prakse Latvijā.” https://inovacija.mk.gov.lv/lv/category/laba-prakse-latvija/
Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrija. 2022. “Ziņojums par piekļūstamību.” https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/zinojums-par-pieklustamibu
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Fobé, E., Škarica, M., Reinholde I., et al. 2022. Evidence-Informed Policy Making: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators. Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/81339
Labs of Latvia. 2023. “Inovācijas laboratorijā uzlabos sabiedrībai nozīmīgu pakalpojumu kvalitāti.” https://labsoflatvia.com/aktuali/uzlabos-sabiedribai-nozimigu-pakalpojumu-kvalitati
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 543 Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmas 2021.–2027. gadam 1.3.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa “Izmantot digitalizācijas priekšrocības iedzīvotājiem, uzņēmumiem, pētniecības organizācijām un publiskajām iestādēm” 1.3.1.2. pasākuma “Inovācijas laboratorija digitalizācijas priekšrocību izmantošanai” īstenošanas noteikumi. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/345849-eiropas-savienibas-kohezijas-politikas-programmas-2021-2027-gadam-1-3-1-specifiska-atbalsta-merka-izmantot-digitalizacijas (accessed 21.01.2024)
To what extent does the government conduct high-quality impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of prepared legislation before implementation?
10
9
9
The government draws on high-quality RIAs to assess the potential impact of prepared legislation before implementation.
8
7
6
7
6
In most cases, the government draws on high-quality RIAs to assess the potential impact of prepared legislation before implementation.
5
4
3
4
3
The government rarely draws on high-quality RIAs to assess the potential impact of prepared legislation before implementation.
2
1
1
The government does not draw on high-quality RIAs to assess the potential impact of prepared legislation before implementation.
All draft legislation must undergo an assessment, documented in an annotated report (ex ante) accompanying the draft to the Cabinet of Ministers and the parliament. The initial impact assessment report (annotation or ex ante assessment) informs decision-makers and stakeholders about the consequences and impact of proposed legislation. It includes assessment results and details of public participation. Annotations are developed, coordinated, and advanced through the Unified Legal Acts Development and Coordination Portal (TAP portal) and are publicly available using its embedded template.
The State Chancellery is responsible for evaluating the overall annotation, focusing on the impacts on public administration, human resources, public participation, administrative procedures, and compliance costs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses the implications for the diaspora, while the Ministry of Economy analyzes the economic impact. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice evaluate areas within their respective competencies. Other ministries or state agencies contribute based on their expertise. The State Chancellery also updates guidelines for initial impact assessments and annotation preparation in the TAP portal (Ministru kabinets, 2021).
The quality of annotations has varied, ranging from detailed analyses to simple summaries, without enforced standards. Additionally, with the establishment of the TAP portal and new regulations, the assessment process has been refined. It now includes a broader assessment range and more precise definitions.
The majority of draft laws (with annotations) are prepared by line ministries. However, once the draft law is submitted to parliament and goes through readings, annotations are rarely updated. Thus, the initial assessment does not reflect the final impact once the law is approved.
Practical limitations affect the full application of assessments, as they are sometimes more formal than reflective of the actual situation. For example, before significant policy changes, the ministry compiles data and analysis in an information report, which serves as the basis for legislative changes. Modern analysis methods – including those derived from behavioral research – need to be improved in assessments. Stakeholder involvement in the assessment process exists, but the extent and depth can differ across legislative changes. The communication of assessment results to the public and their availability could be more consistent; sometimes this even depends on the media, as society usually does not examine the Cabinet of Ministers’ agenda.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Fobé, E., Škarica, M., Reinholde, I., et al. 2022. “Evidence-Informed Policy Making: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators.” Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/81339
Laganovskis, G. 2020. “Anotācija izsaka likuma būtību, taču var arī maldināt.” https://lvportals.lv/norises/321249-anotacija-izsaka-likuma-butibu-tacu-var-ari-maldinat-2020
Mikuda, S. 2023. “Ilgtspējības princips likumdošanā – kā to panākt.” https://lvportals.lv/norises/347819-ilgtspejibas-princips-likumdosana-ka-to-panakt-2023
The State Chancellery is responsible for evaluating the overall annotation, focusing on the impacts on public administration, human resources, public participation, administrative procedures, and compliance costs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assesses the implications for the diaspora, while the Ministry of Economy analyzes the economic impact. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice evaluate areas within their respective competencies. Other ministries or state agencies contribute based on their expertise. The State Chancellery also updates guidelines for initial impact assessments and annotation preparation in the TAP portal (Ministru kabinets, 2021).
The quality of annotations has varied, ranging from detailed analyses to simple summaries, without enforced standards. Additionally, with the establishment of the TAP portal and new regulations, the assessment process has been refined. It now includes a broader assessment range and more precise definitions.
The majority of draft laws (with annotations) are prepared by line ministries. However, once the draft law is submitted to parliament and goes through readings, annotations are rarely updated. Thus, the initial assessment does not reflect the final impact once the law is approved.
Practical limitations affect the full application of assessments, as they are sometimes more formal than reflective of the actual situation. For example, before significant policy changes, the ministry compiles data and analysis in an information report, which serves as the basis for legislative changes. Modern analysis methods – including those derived from behavioral research – need to be improved in assessments. Stakeholder involvement in the assessment process exists, but the extent and depth can differ across legislative changes. The communication of assessment results to the public and their availability could be more consistent; sometimes this even depends on the media, as society usually does not examine the Cabinet of Ministers’ agenda.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Fobé, E., Škarica, M., Reinholde, I., et al. 2022. “Evidence-Informed Policy Making: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators.” Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/81339
Laganovskis, G. 2020. “Anotācija izsaka likuma būtību, taču var arī maldināt.” https://lvportals.lv/norises/321249-anotacija-izsaka-likuma-butibu-tacu-var-ari-maldinat-2020
Mikuda, S. 2023. “Ilgtspējības princips likumdošanā – kā to panākt.” https://lvportals.lv/norises/347819-ilgtspejibas-princips-likumdosana-ka-to-panakt-2023
To what extent does the government effectively incorporate sustainability assessments within the framework of RIAs?
10
9
9
High-quality sustainability assessments are incorporated within regulatory impact assessments.
8
7
6
7
6
High-quality sustainability assessments are, for the most part, incorporated within regulatory impact assessments.
5
4
3
4
3
High-quality sustainability assessments are rarely incorporated within regulatory impact assessments.
2
1
1
Sustainability assessments are not incorporated within regulatory impact assessments.
A cabinet regulation outlines how to assess the impact of new laws and regulations and evaluate their effect on the economy, society, environment, and governance. Although impact assessment does not cover the sustainable development goals (SDGs), sustainability is considered via environmental sustainability, climate neutrality, and potentially its impact on social situations.
The State Audit Office’s 2023 audit of the implementation of sustainable development goals found that Latvia requires better management of the entire process toward these goals. There is no specific implementation plan, and stakeholders lack clear awareness of their tasks and roles. The implementation process of the SDGs in Latvia needs to be better organized, managed, and overseen (Valsts Kontrole, 2023). Consequently, Latvia lacks a regular, systematic, and inclusive approach to sustainable development goals. This deficiency negatively affects public perception of the SDGs and the subsequent implementation steps expected in both the public and private sectors.
Integrating sustainability assessments into Regulatory Impact Assessments is still evolving. These limitations may include a lack of comprehensive and diverse impact indicators and constraints in expertise and resources. The extent to which these assessments provide analyses for different periods – short-term, medium-term, and long-term – must be more consistent across all policy-planning documents.
The integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into Latvia’s highest-level national long-term and mid-term planning documents has not yet been fully realized. This incomplete integration presents challenges in ensuring the consistent application of these goals across different levels of planning. Not all SDGs relevant to Latvia have been effectively incorporated into its policy-planning documents, indicating room for improvement in aligning national planning with sustainable development objectives.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. “Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība.” https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
Valsts kontrole. 2023. “Vai Latvijā ir izveidoti priekšnosacījumi ANO ilgtspējīgas attīstības mērķu sasniegšanai?” https://lrvk.gov.lv/lv/revizijas/revizijas/noslegtas-revizijas/vai-latvija-ir-izveidoti-prieksnosacijumi-ano-ilgtspejigas-attistibas-merku-sasniegsanai
The State Audit Office’s 2023 audit of the implementation of sustainable development goals found that Latvia requires better management of the entire process toward these goals. There is no specific implementation plan, and stakeholders lack clear awareness of their tasks and roles. The implementation process of the SDGs in Latvia needs to be better organized, managed, and overseen (Valsts Kontrole, 2023). Consequently, Latvia lacks a regular, systematic, and inclusive approach to sustainable development goals. This deficiency negatively affects public perception of the SDGs and the subsequent implementation steps expected in both the public and private sectors.
Integrating sustainability assessments into Regulatory Impact Assessments is still evolving. These limitations may include a lack of comprehensive and diverse impact indicators and constraints in expertise and resources. The extent to which these assessments provide analyses for different periods – short-term, medium-term, and long-term – must be more consistent across all policy-planning documents.
The integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into Latvia’s highest-level national long-term and mid-term planning documents has not yet been fully realized. This incomplete integration presents challenges in ensuring the consistent application of these goals across different levels of planning. Not all SDGs relevant to Latvia have been effectively incorporated into its policy-planning documents, indicating room for improvement in aligning national planning with sustainable development objectives.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. “Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība.” https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
Valsts kontrole. 2023. “Vai Latvijā ir izveidoti priekšnosacījumi ANO ilgtspējīgas attīstības mērķu sasniegšanai?” https://lrvk.gov.lv/lv/revizijas/revizijas/noslegtas-revizijas/vai-latvija-ir-izveidoti-prieksnosacijumi-ano-ilgtspejigas-attistibas-merku-sasniegsanai
To what extent do government ministries utilize ex post evaluations to improve existing policies?
10
9
9
High-quality ex post evaluations serve as the basis for making adjustments to public policies.
8
7
6
7
6
High-quality ex post evaluations frequently serve as the basis for making adjustments to public policies.
5
4
3
4
3
High-quality ex post evaluations rarely serve as the basis for making adjustments to public policies.
2
1
1
High-quality ex post evaluations are not utilized to make adjustments to public policies.
Policy-planning documents, also known as white papers, undergo post-implementation (ex post) evaluations in Latvia. The government has improved these evaluations by introducing the TAP portal and a new standardized annotation form. Institutions are now required to determine and approve whether draft legislation will be subject to ex post evaluation. If they decide in favor, agencies must clearly define the results and indicators to measure the achievement of objectives.
In 2023, the Saeima Analytical Service approved its annual working plan with detailed priorities, including research on weak ex post applications (Saeimas Prezidijs un Frakciju padome, 2023).
The Public Administration Modernization Plan 2023 – 2027 also includes aspirations for developing ex ante and ex post impact assessments, requiring ex post evaluation of high-impact legislation from 2025 (Ministru Kabinets, 2023).
Generally, ex post evaluations, if conducted at all, are either carried out by the ministries themselves or outsourced, with researchers competing against consultancy firms. Typically, the lower bid prevails. However, the application of scientific methods is directly related to the terms of reference prepared by public agencies. The engagement of stakeholders with empirical information depends on the capacity and understanding of the relevant line ministry.
All analytical reports, ex ante and ex post reviews are published in the unified database under the State Chancellery – https://ppdb.mk.gov.lv/. The database was created to ensure access to all commissioned evaluations and research that might affect policies.
No independent organizational body in Latvia conducts periodic quality evaluations of the policy evaluation process and results. The extent to which ex post evaluations are applied to existing public policies in Latvia varies. Ex post evaluations are included in the information report prepared by the ministry before policy changes. Modern analysis methods, including those derived from behavioral research, are limited in these assessments. Stakeholder involvement in the assessment process is evident, but the extent and depth can differ across policy sectors.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. “Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība.” https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
Saeimas Prezidijs un Frakciju padome. 2023. Lēmums par Saeimas Analītiskā dienesta analītisko pētījumu plāna apstiprināšanu. https://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS/SaeimasNotikumi.nsf/0/57035417a87d2e4fc2258987002ae2f2/$FILE/611.1.13_4-1-14_23.pdf
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Par Valsts pārvaldes modernizācijas plānu 2023.-2027. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/341706-par-valsts-parvaldes-modernizacijas-planu-2023-2027-gadam
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Musa, A., Nemec, J., Reinholde, I., et al. 2022. “Quality of Legislative Process: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators.” Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/70431
In 2023, the Saeima Analytical Service approved its annual working plan with detailed priorities, including research on weak ex post applications (Saeimas Prezidijs un Frakciju padome, 2023).
The Public Administration Modernization Plan 2023 – 2027 also includes aspirations for developing ex ante and ex post impact assessments, requiring ex post evaluation of high-impact legislation from 2025 (Ministru Kabinets, 2023).
Generally, ex post evaluations, if conducted at all, are either carried out by the ministries themselves or outsourced, with researchers competing against consultancy firms. Typically, the lower bid prevails. However, the application of scientific methods is directly related to the terms of reference prepared by public agencies. The engagement of stakeholders with empirical information depends on the capacity and understanding of the relevant line ministry.
All analytical reports, ex ante and ex post reviews are published in the unified database under the State Chancellery – https://ppdb.mk.gov.lv/. The database was created to ensure access to all commissioned evaluations and research that might affect policies.
No independent organizational body in Latvia conducts periodic quality evaluations of the policy evaluation process and results. The extent to which ex post evaluations are applied to existing public policies in Latvia varies. Ex post evaluations are included in the information report prepared by the ministry before policy changes. Modern analysis methods, including those derived from behavioral research, are limited in these assessments. Stakeholder involvement in the assessment process is evident, but the extent and depth can differ across policy sectors.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2021. “Ministru kabineta noteikumu Nr. 617 Tiesību akta projekta sākotnējas ietekmes izvērtēšanas kārtība.” https://likumi.lv/ta/id/325945-tiesibu-akta-projekta-sakotnejas-ietekmes-izvertesanas-kartiba
Saeimas Prezidijs un Frakciju padome. 2023. Lēmums par Saeimas Analītiskā dienesta analītisko pētījumu plāna apstiprināšanu. https://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS/SaeimasNotikumi.nsf/0/57035417a87d2e4fc2258987002ae2f2/$FILE/611.1.13_4-1-14_23.pdf
Ministru kabinets. 2023. Par Valsts pārvaldes modernizācijas plānu 2023.-2027. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/341706-par-valsts-parvaldes-modernizacijas-planu-2023-2027-gadam
European Commission, Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, Mackie, I., Musa, A., Nemec, J., Reinholde, I., et al. 2022. “Quality of Legislative Process: Building a Conceptual Model and Developing Indicators.” Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2887/70431