EBPMの二つの側面 --米英の比較を通じた日本への示唆--

Abstract

本論文は, EBPM の二つの側面に関して, 米国と英国の歴史を踏まえて考察し, 日本に対する示唆を明らかにしたものである. EBPM は, RCT の活用による厳密な政策の効果の特定という側面と, NPM 理論を背景とした行政改革の側面が混在して推進されてきた. この傾向は, 行政改革が推進される最中でEBPM の推進を始めた英国において顕著であるが, 日本のEBPM もこれら二つの側面が十分に区別されないまま推進されている. また, 米英両国では, 政策に活用のための「知識創出」に資する制度改革も推進されている. 今後は, 研究体制の強化も含めた「知識」と政治の関係を考慮した上でEBPM を論じる必要があると言える. 結論部分ではこの点が, EBPM 推進にあたって更なる課題を惹起することが示された.

In this paper, I review the history of evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) in the USA and UK. I have focused on the "narrow sense"and "wide sense" aspects of EBPM. "Narrow sense" means that public policy should be made and promoted based on rigorous evidence generated by randomized controlled trials (RCT). Conversely, "wide sense" includes more diverse topics, such as administrative reforms or performance measurement, and is influenced by new public management (NPM). In America, there is a long history of RCT, and there are many organizations that implement it. In UK, there is no such history, and therefore, EBPM in UK is strongly related to NPM and has experienced many reforms. However, English EBPM and policy evaluation strongly resembles that found in the USA. It focuses on "knowledge generation, " which can contribute to policymaking and policy evaluation. Although we can say that EBPM in Japan should evolve to be more like that found in the USA and UK, the practice of EBPM depends on context and existing institutions, and such restrictions must be taken into account when considering EBPM.