A guide for the evaluation of programs of human capital training for science, technology and innovation
Diego Aboal, Marcelo Perera, Ezequiel Tacsir & Maren Vairo
#2018-031
We provide a practical guide for impact evaluation of Training and Human
Capital programs in Science Technology and Innovation (STI). This
document addresses specific challenges that arise when evaluating this
type of programs, discussing its logic, the advantages and drawbacks of
the different sources of information, the strategies which may be
appropriate for evaluation, and the suitability of applying the
different experimental and quasi-experimental available methods. For
each technique, the document highlights the characteristics and
assumptions, the strengths and weaknesses, and the practical issues
related to their application to programs of human capital training for
STI. Also, some specific issues, as for example the time after which the
effects and externalities are expected to materialize, are discussed.
Discussion is based on specific examples of existing evaluations.
JEL Classification: H43, C01, O15, O22, O31, O32, O38
Keywords: Impact Evaluation, Human Capital, Training Programs, Science,
Technology and Innovation, Effectiveness for Development