The training “Regulatory Impact Analysis: Theoretical and Practical Aspects – Phase I” was hosted by Ilia State University and Public Policy Research and Training Center (PPRTC) on February 16-18, 2016. The director of Institute of Economics and Business Prof. Dimitri Japaridze and assistant researcher Davit Tutberidze delivered speeches, lectures and hands-on workshops.
The main objective of the training course was to introduce participants to theoretical and practical features of a RIA process. The theoretical part of the training dealt with the key steps of the process, from problem definition to communication of the final results to the public. The practical side of the sessions was aimed to deepen the participants’ skills in handling of the tools for assessment and comparison of regulatory alternatives.
The training comprised of 11 one-and-a-half-hour sessions. On each session comprehensive presentations of topics were offered. The practical sessions also involved quantitative calculation and analysis of sample exercises through spreadsheets. The teaching material was available at Iliauni’s web-based learning management system (http://moodle.iliauni.edu.ge/). The homework was also administered through this system enabling trainers to evaluate the group performance and progress. The sessions took place in the room equipped with all necessary technical means for teaching. Between the classes, coffee and lunch breaks were held.
The training resulted in a few achievements including the participants’ deepened knowledge on the key analytical steps in Regulatory Impact Assessment, comparison of alternative regulatory options, alternative methods for gathering evidence on potential costs and benefits of regulation, making use of risk management, option values, stakeholder identification, etc.
The next part of the training is a coaching phase and another 3-day training. The coaching phase involves preparation of statements on two draft laws and studies of two cases and it will be implemented online via Moodle learning management system. During this period participants will be given regular assignments and support in fulfillment of their assignments. The subsequent 3-day training program will be responsible for conveying knowledge on the tools of economic impact identification and quantification in a RIA process. Besides, the sessions will help participants to summarize the knowledge acquired during the previous phases and identify further steps to be taken to improve their skills and competencies.