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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:

    • Will this new curriculum improve student learning?
    • Can this entrepreneurship training increase business survival rates?
    • What’s the most effective way to encourage green skills in vocational schools?


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 Project (2015–2018)

PEEP was the International Project Coordinator of the Youth Start Entrepreneurial Challenges project, the largest policy experimentation project ever conducted on experiential entrepreneurship education in EU schools.

Example YouthStart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj6oOwDS7yA – policy experimentation

https://youtu.be/iyyR9SISdPI?si=QiRi8qx4Pwfj2W07  – project presentation

Impact:

Trained over 1,000 teachers.

Reached tens of thousands of students across EU schools.

Demonstrated significant improvements in entrepreneurial skills, school engagement, and innovation mindsets.

Legacy: Youth Start created a transferable, open-source learning programme (available in multiple languages at www.youthstart.eu) that continues to shape European education policy and implementation.


Portugal is globally recognised for one of the most innovative policy experiments of the modern era: the decriminalisation of drug use in 2001. Instead of treating drug use as a criminal issue, Portugal framed it as a public health challenge.

Outcome: Drug-related deaths and HIV infections dropped dramatically; treatment uptake increased; Portugal became a case study cited worldwide by the WHO and UNODC.

Reforms like this show the power of experimentation: pilot, evaluate, scale, and then share lessons with the world.

(See explainer video: Portugal’s Drug Decriminalisation Explained)

EntreComp Projects (EU) – Developing and testing frameworks for entrepreneurial competences.

Teach Like an Entrepreneur (Africa, 2021–2022) – Experimental teacher-training models adapted to Lusophone Africa.

EIT Climate-KIC Young Innovators Programme – Experimenting with innovative climate change education approaches.

We support governments, NGOs, and international funders to:

    • Co-design experiments with policymakers and practitioners.
    • Implement pilots in real schools, communities, and organisations.
    • Collect robust evidence using RCTs, impact studies, and longitudinal methods.
    • Translate findings into policy so evidence directly informs reform.


Our principle is simple:


“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”


Useful Links: 🔗 

Youth Start Project Website (www.youthstart.eu)

Portugal’s Drug Policy Reform (explainer video)

European Commission – EntreComp Framework

Innovation Growth Lab – Policy Experimentation Resources