It’s a smarter way to make policy. Traditional policymaking often relies on theory or political intuition, but policy experimentation means trying out new ideas on a small scale and gathering evidence before deciding to implement them widely.
We treat policies like hypotheses: we design pilot or experimentation programmes or field trials to test whether a proposed solution actually works in practice, and we rigorously evaluate the results.
This approach reduces risk, saves resources, and leads to better outcomes, because decisions are based on data and real experience rather than assumptions.
PEEP helps governments and organisations design controlled trials and pilot projects to answer key questions:
We then implement the pilot in collaboration with local partners, monitor it closely, and measure outcomes using scientific methods.
Depending on context, we use methodologies like Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, or qualitative evaluations – always tailoring the rigor to what’s feasible and ethical in the field.
For example, in the YouthStart project, an RCT was used to compare schools with the entrepreneurial programme to those without, providing clear evidence of impact on students.
In other cases, we might use stepped-wedge trials (phased rollouts), A/B testing for programme features, or pre-post evaluations with comparison groups.
The key is that we collect data – test scores, surveys of attitudes, income levels, employment rates, etc. – and analyse them to see what works and what doesn’t.
Policy experimentation brings the mindset of a scientist to social programmes. By measuring results, we ensure accountability and learn transparently. As we often say, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Without experimentation, well-intentioned policies can sometimes fail or even cause harm despite resources spent. With experimentation, policymakers can refine and iterate solutions before scaling up, increasing the success rate of reforms. It’s a cornerstone of evidence-based policy, which leads to more effective use of public funds and better services for citizens. Especially in times of tight budgets and complex challenges (like climate change or digital disruption of jobs), policy experimentation offers a way to navigate uncertainty and complexity.
Youth Start – Entrepreneurial Challenges (2015–2018)
As International Project Coordinator, PEEP led Youth Start – Entrepreneurial Challenges—the largest policy experimentation ever undertaken in Europe in entrepreneurship education. Working with the Ministries of Education in Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Slovenia (with Bulgaria as scale-up partner), PEEP coordinated a rigorous Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) designed by the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship.
The experiment tested whether challenge-based, experiential entrepreneurship programmes could be successfully integrated into compulsory education and produce measurable improvements in students' entrepreneurial competences, school engagement, and life skills. With 175 schools, over 30,000 students, and 1,254 teachers participating, the RCT provided clear evidence by comparing treatment schools implementing Youth Start against control schools following standard curricula.
Results & Impact:
Legacy:
This project exemplifies PEEP's core methodology: experiment rigorously, measure carefully, and translate evidence directly into policy reform.
Girls Go STEM (ongoing, formerly Girls Go Circular) – Testing the effectiveness of digital learning platforms and challenge-based modules in closing the gender gap in STEM education across 30+ European countries. With over 80,000 students reached, the programme evaluates impact on students' confidence, skill development, and career aspirations in technology and sustainability fields.
SG4Africa – Savings Groups Research (2018–2020) – As international coordinator of this 26-country research consortium, PEEP designed and implemented the first comparable, continent-wide study of savings groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. This large-scale research experimentation tested various methodologies for measuring financial inclusion, women's empowerment, and entrepreneurship outcomes across diverse contexts.
ProFishBlue SADC Programme (2020–2022) – PEEP tested innovative capacity-building models for aquaculture entrepreneurship across six Southern African countries, experimenting with different training formats, digital tools, and network-building approaches to determine which methods most effectively strengthened business development institutions and SME performance in the blue economy sector.
We support governments, NGOs, and international funders to:
Our principle is simple:
Useful Links: 🔗
Youth Start Project Website (www.youthstart.eu)
European Commission – EntreComp Framework
Innovation Growth Lab – Policy Experimentation Resources
