Policy Impact Cycle
The Schaeffer Institute policy impact cycle illustrates four pathways that are leveraged to inform action: identifying the problem, shaping the debate, designing policy solutions and evaluating outcomes.
Whether Schaeffer Scholars are putting new ideas into the public discourse or evaluating outcomes, through this process the Institute can effectively transform public policies.
Identifying the problem
Identify opportunities to improve the performance of public policies. Schaeffer research assesses how well markets are functioning and identifies areas where societal needs aren’t being met.
Shaping the debate
Amplify the conversation by disseminating evidence to drive solutions. Schaeffer experts generate interest in and understanding of an issue by broadly sharing evidence-based research and analysis that fosters new approaches.
Designing policy solutions
Design policy and provide evidence for decision making. Schaeffer Scholars develop recommendations that inform policymaking, from statehouses to the federal level and across the private sector.
Evaluating outcomes
Evaluate outcomes and analyze consequences of policies. Schaeffer studies assess the cost, efficiency and distributional impact of reforms to identify likely outcomes of policies and areas for improvement.
In the face of grave health policy challenges, federal and state policymakers—from the White House to Congress to state legislatures—have taken decisive action to improve the nation’s healthcare system. Where this progress has been made, it has often been spurred or supported by innovative research led by Schaeffer Scholars.
Below are case studies that exemplify the impact the Schaeffer Center has had in key policy areas.
Case Studies View All
Schaeffer Solutions: Developing Innovative Payment Models for Prescription Drugs
Impact View All
Schaeffer Center Researchers Make an Impact in Washington
Experts: Darius Lakdawalla, Erin Trish, Karen Van Nuys, Neeraj Sood, Alice Chen