How to Get results in Public Policies?

How to get results in public policy? Is civil society in Serbia able to engage in monitoring and evaluation processes and contribute to them?

Current circumstances demonstrate a clear lack of constructive opposition on the political scene and a deficiency of critical public, as well as citizens’ disinterest in becoming more active in social issues. Thus, civil society organisations (CSOs) are expected to take responsibility to present facts and arguments, develop critical thinking and mobilise citizens. Moreover, the European integration process and the accession negotiations require additional CSO engagement, as they are expected to provide knowledge from their areas of expertise and to act as a corrective mechanism of the government.

The aim of this study is to highlight the aspect of monitoring and evaluation in the policy making process, which is much neglected in Serbia. The study aims to demonstrate the importance of monitoring and evaluation in increasing the quality and transparency of decision-making. It will do so, first by analysing the conditions of CSO participation in the sectors of public administration and social policy and employment in Serbia; and second, by analysing the capacity of line ministries and in general, the government administration in Serbia to conduct monitoring and evaluation tasks. The comparative aspect of the analysis and comprehensive research have the goal to illustrate good examples and practices across EU member states. In return, the aim is to provide ideas and recommendations so as to establish policy monitoring and evaluation in Serbia, as well as to achieve a more relevant and more constructive engagement of CSOs in this regard.