Policy analysis in Colombia: an introduction

This chapter introduces the policy analysis in Colombia at a critical juncture in the country's history when having government officials capable of making evidence-based policy decisions is as important as ever. It evaluates the role of different levels of government, institutions of government, and actors outside of government in the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. It also highlights the degree to which analysis informs key substantive policy areas. The chapter details how governmental and nongovernmental institutions and actors have historically contributed to the analysis of policy options and outcomes. It describes Colombia as a country that exemplifies a particular path of development and has been able to configure a relatively developed public administration apparatus even with the presence of key institutional challenges.