By Li Zhijun, Li Yifei & Wang Qunguang, Management World Magazine

Research Report, No.257, 2020 (Total 6001) 2020-10-29

Abstract: Policy evaluation constitutes a major part in national governance system whereas policy evaluation in China is still immature due to a late start. Consequently, there exist a number of issues to be addressed. For example, the evaluation system is incomplete, the diversity of evaluation entities remains to be enriched, the objects of evaluation are unclear and relevant resource guarantee is weak. Thus, a policy evaluation system with Chinese characteristics and in light of domestic conditions needs to be established by drawing on the positive experience of foreign countries. Taking as an example the laws and regulations undergone policy evaluations respectively by Japan, South Korea and South Africa, this paper gives a systematic illustration of the policy evaluation systems of these countries relating to their evolution, experience, framework and characteristics. Based on these facts, it proposes the following policy options in line with China’s realities. 1. We need to step up the research on and formulation of guidelines for policy evaluations. 2. We need to work out theories and methods of policy evaluation tailored to China’s national conditions. 3. We need to highlight the institutional mechanism construction of policy evaluation agencies. 4. We need to attach importance to the budget, organization and personnel cultivation pertinent to evaluation. 5. We need to lay emphasis on making evaluation plans, enhancing the transparency in the course of evaluation and innovating the ways of evaluation.

Keywords: policy evaluation, institutional construction, international experience, enlightenments