Leading Smart Policy Design: A Multisectoral Approach to Economic Decisions

Online

Session Date

September 19, 2023 - October 10, 2023

Application Deadline

August 29, 2023

Program Fee

$4,800

Faculty Chair

Rema Hanna

Program Director

Christian Flynn

Request Brochure

Executive Certificate: This program is a core program in the Economic Development and Public Policy concentrations. This program can also be used as a third program for any concentration in the Executive Certificate series.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): This program aligns with one or more Executive Core Qualifications.

Program Overview

Twenty-first century technology and increasing complex global issues are dramatically altering the context in which organizations – particularly those working in development - operate. These challenges require evidence-based policies and programming that are iterative, adaptive, and draw on a range of economic policy solutions. Now more than ever, using smart approaches that allow for quick, data-informed decisions is a critical step in addressing policy issues around the world.

The Leading Smart Policy Design executive program, developed by experienced researchers and practitioners at Harvard Kennedy School’s Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) research program, is for leaders and their teams charged with designing and delivering policies or programs that address social and economic problems worldwide. This online program provides practical frameworks for analysis and hands-on experience using a smart, systematic, and collaborative approach to theory- and data- driven innovation. Both individuals and teams who are interested in sustainable, inclusive development are encouraged to apply.

Program Curriculum

Leading Smart Policy Design will immerse you and your peers in a problem-driven, interactive learning environment that employs our collective expertise to design, test, and refine solutions. Live faculty sessions will review the latest evidence in economic development, providing space to discuss policy topics that are key to your work.

Faculty lecturers will present theory and evidence behind policies for building economies in a sustainable, inclusive way. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics in international development, including gender equity, environmental economics, health, microfinance, education, labor market policies and social protection systems strengthening.

During Leading Smart Policy Design, you will experience interactive faculty sessions, applied action learning, case studies, and small group sessions. During collaborative group sessions you will work with peers to apply lessons to solve real-world problems. These sessions will give you an opportunity to address a specific design challenge facing your organization and present a unique chance for you to gain from the expertise of faculty, teaching fellows, and peers.

Learning Objectives

During the groupwork, participants will learn the Smart Policy Design and Implementation (SPDI) approach, applying it directly to their most pressing challenges. You will learn and follow the six steps of the SPDI process, incorporating economic theory and rigorous evidence at every stage:

Identify pressing policy problems
Diagnose underlying causes
Design high-potential and feasible policy solutions
Implement and monitor proposed solutions on the ground
Test high-potential solutions with rigorous evaluation
Refine those solutions based on continuous monitoring and feedback

Application Information

Recommended Applicants

This program is designed for a cohort of leaders and professionals from a broad range of policy and business communities around the world.

Individuals who lead strategy or program development in their organizations
Teams that work across an organization or multiple organizations to design and manage new programs or initiatives
Leaders from government, nonprofits, multilaterals, philanthropic organizations, and the corporate sector interested in systematic and evidence-informed approaches to organizational learning and innovation

Both individuals and teams are encouraged to apply to Leading Smart Policy Design. Working together in small groups — with faculty guidance and feedback — you will apply the SPDI approach to real-world challenges facing your organizations.

Sample Schedule

Access the draft program schedule.

Program Requirements

Prior to arriving at Harvard, you will complete pre-assignments that serve as the foundation of your work in the program.

Hear from Faculty Chair Rema Hanna

“This program leverages [the Smart Policy Design Implementation] framework, which designs better policies to improve people's lives. You’ll apply this systematic and collaborative approach to your own work to design, test, and refine solutions to critical policy challenges.” Hear more from Rema Hanna about how she developed Leading Smart Policy Design.