Institutional structure in the evaluation and monitoring of public policies: an analysis in MERCOSUR countries

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the institutionalization of the public policy monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system in the MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). In particular, it is interesting to describe the current institutional structure to detect the possible convergence, heterogeneity and limitations of the different institutional M&E arrangements in the countries analyzed. The research has a qualitative approach, which uses the content analysis procedure to estimate an institutionalization indicator. The main source of data was the national laws, regulations, plans and public policy guidelines in force, as well as secondary data from international organizations. It is considered that a consolidated and unified national M&E system can have a positive impact on the performance of public policies. The main results of the analysis show that there is heterogeneity in the M&E institutionalization, and when compared, Brazil's national system has the highest level (high), followed by Argentina and Uruguay (medium) and finally Paraguay (low). Finally, countries coincide in the absence of a broad and unified national M&E policy, and also in the absence of a national/federal agency to coordinate the national M&E system.