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Policy Lab

A new era of evidence-based policymaking


Rigorous Evidence for Impactful Policies

The LISER Policy Lab, launched by the Luxembourg Institute for Socio-Economic Research (LISER), is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing Luxembourg's and Europe's most pressing challenges. In a time when public policies are becoming increasingly complex and costly, this lab introduces rigorous scientific analysis into the policymaking process. Focusing on key areas such as economic development, climate change, public health, digitalisation, housing, education, and social cohesion, it offers invaluable support to decision-makers with high-quality research.

Analytics for adaptive policy systems

Operating through four key stages — policy identificationex-ante evaluationimpact monitoring, and ex-post evaluation — the LISER Policy Lab ensures that policies are not only effective but also adaptable. The Lab’s commitment to scientific impartiality, transparency, and collaboration with national and international partners reinforces its role as a leader in evidence-based policy development.

With its grand opening on March 12, 2025, the LISER Policy Lab is set to reshape public policy, ensuring Luxembourg's responses to global challenges are driven by robust data and rigorous research.

Policy Areas and Methodologies at a glance


Key Policy Areas
The LISER Policy Lab informs smart policy by supporting the design, monitoring and evaluation of initiatives across multiple policy areas.

Labour and Skills
Design and evaluation of policies that promote fair wages, job security, and skills development
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Innovation and Growth
We analyse economic trends and innovation policies to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness
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Immigration and Social Cohesion
Our studies help shape policies that enhance integration, diversity, and the vivre ensemble
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Housing and Urban Planning
We provide insights to develop housing strategies and urban policies ensuring liveability and affordability
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Transport and Mobility
Our research informs sustainable and efficient transport policies to improve accessibility and reduce congestion
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Development Cooperation
We contribute to policy frameworks that enhance international development and global partnerships
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Climate change
We support policies that address climate change, resource management, and environmental protection
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Poverty, Inequality and Welfare
We evaluate policies aimed at reducing disparities and improving social welfare systems
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Health, Family and Wellbeing
Our research aids in shaping health, family, and social policies to enhance overall wellbeing
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Politics and Fiscal Policy
We assess political and fiscal strategies to ensure economic stability and equitable taxation
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Education and Training
Our studies support policies that strengthen education systems and lifelong learning opportunities

Key Methods
Policymakers must choose which levers to activate— and when, where, and how. Making smart decisions requires the right analytical tools

Qualitative Surveys
In-depth interviews, focus groups, and case studies to explore behaviours, perceptions, and experiences
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Quantitative Surveys
Structured questionnaires and statistical analysis to measure trends, attitudes, and policy impacts
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Benchmarking Analysis
Comparative assessments to evaluate policies, performance, and best practices across regions or sectors
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Randomised Controlled Trials
Experimental approach to assess policy effectiveness by comparing treatment and control groups
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Living Lab
Real-world testing environments for co-creating, developing, and evaluating policies with stakeholders
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Microsimulation Modelling
Simulating individual or household-level policy effects based on demographic and economic data
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Macrosimulation Modelling
Analysing policy impacts on national or regional economies using macroeconomic models
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Econometrics and Machine Learning
Processing large datasets to uncover trends, correlations, and policy-relevant insights
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Lab Experiment
Controlled settings to study decision-making, behaviours, and policy interventions
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Quasi-Experimental Method
Evaluating policy impacts using observational data and statistical techniques without full randomisation
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Participatory Research
Engaging stakeholders in the research process to co-develop relevant and actionable policy solutions

Policy Lab Launch Event Highlights

Good policy making must be grounded in facts.
- Prime Minister Luc Frieden
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Upcoming events

Stay at the forefront of innovation by attending our upcoming events, where industry expertise and professional connections converge.

Explore all department events
CONFERENCE
Industrial

In recent years, there has been a discernible shift in the discourse on industrial relations in Europe. Contentious collective bargaining in response to surging inflation, tighter labour markets leading to a stronger bargaining position for workers, renewed strike activity in many countries and organising drives in the low-wage service sector have been noticeable developments. These changes contrast with the preceding decades marked by the erosion of sectoral collective bargaining and associated institutions.

SYMPOSIUM
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The Urban Development and Mobility department (LISER) and the Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research (VUB) have organised a one-day symposium titled "To pay or not to pay – The role of fares in public transport" on the 20th of March 2025 at the Black Box (Maison des Sciences). The symposium marks the end of the LiFT project, a bilateral project funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The LiFT project focused on the policy of abolishing fares in public transport, otherwise known as fare-free public transport (FFPT).

AWARDS