Research project S4P/25/DAMASCUS (Research action S4P)
DAMASCUS contributes to advancing inclusive labour market policies by integrating robust evaluation methods, enhancing institutional capacity, and improving data infrastructures. By aligning with international best practices, it aims to foster more effective, equitable, and evidence-driven policymaking in Belgium, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The DAMASCUS project aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Belgium by improving the evaluation of labour market policies targeting precarious groups, with a particular focus on people with disabilities and the green transition. At its core, the project addresses the limited systematic use in Belgium of rigorous ex-post policy evaluation methods, despite international, academic advances in empirical economics. DAMASCUS seeks to bridge this gap by equipping federal administrations with tools, skills, and frameworks to conduct high-quality causal impact evaluations using administrative data.
The project is structured around several interconnected work packages. First, it develops a comprehensive evaluation toolkit, tailored to the Belgian institutional and data context. This toolkit provides practical guidance on conducting causal evaluations, including methods such as randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental techniques. It also incorporates legal and ethical considerations, particularly GDPR compliance, and offers guidance on data access, indicator development, and evaluation planning.
Second, the project emphasises capacity building through two intensive autumn schools and additional targeted training sessions for civil servants. These activities aim to enhance analytical skills within federal administrations, enabling them to conduct evaluations independently or to commission and assess external studies effectively. The training integrates methodological, technical, and thematic components, including labour market inclusion and disability.
Third, DAMASCUS applies its tools in empirical case studies. Two main studies are planned: (1) an evaluation of the 2024 reform of disability-related income replacement allowances, analysing its impact on labour market participation; and (2) an assessment of the expansion of working-from-home practices following COVID-19, examining both employment outcomes for people with disabilities and environmental implications. These case studies demonstrate the practical application of rigorous evaluation methods and generate policy-relevant evidence.
A critical component of the project is improving data access and governance. A systematic mapping of available administrative and survey data shall be conducted, identifying gaps and developing strategies for improved data accessibility. This shall be complemented by analysing the legal and ethical framework governing data use, including GDPR constraints, and comparing Belgian practices with other EU countries. Together, these efforts aim to enable more effective and legally compliant use of data for policy evaluation.
The project also prioritises awareness raising and long-term impact, promoting a culture of evidence-based policymaking within Belgian institutions. Dissemination activities ensure engagement with policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, while a data management plan and governance framework support sustainability and reproducibility.
