Factors Contributing to the Strong Institutionalization of Policy Evaluation in Switzerland

Abstract

In the most recent international comparisons, Switzerland ranks as one of the top three countries with the most institutionalized evaluation systems. This is a recent development, one which has been especially rapid in recent decades. This chapter retraces this evolution and the factors contributing to it. They include, in particular, many actors at the interface between different universes, the incorporation of an obligation to evaluate not only in the Swiss Constitution but also in specific laws, and the use of evaluation results both in political contexts and in public administration. To continue the momentum, Switzerland’s challenge today is to continue to disseminate a culture of evaluation; this will make it possible to promote enlightened democratic debate.