1. Workshop on GRP, Quito, Ecuador, 7-9 Nov. 2018
TECHNICAL COOPERATION
Workshop on GRP, Quito, Ecuador, 7-9 Nov. 2018
Public Policy and QI
Alex Inklaar, PTB consultant

2. Agenda Definitions of «public policy»
The main actors in the public policy process
A few words about QI
Public Policy and QI sensitive areas

3. Public Policy - Definitions
Government policies that affect the whole population
(Source: Merriam Webster, internet dictionary)
What government does or does not do about a problem that comes before them for consideration and possible action
(Source: An Introduction to the policy process, Thomas A. Birkland, 2011)

4. Public Policy – Definitions
«An intentional course of action followed by a government institution or official for resolving an issue of public concern.» [Cochran, Mayer, Carr, Cayer, 2006]
«A set of interrelated decisions taken by a political actor or group of actors concerning the selection of goals and the means of achieving them within a specified situation where those decisions should, in principle, be within the power of those actors to achieve.» [Jenkins, 1978]

5. Can we use this one?
Measures taken by governments and governmental agencies aiming at achieving or facilitating issues of common interest in society and the economy - such as safety of products, public security, consumer protection, economic growth, societal welfare or environmental protection.
Public policy typically includes agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making, policy implementation and monitoring and evaluation.

6. Public policy – OECD Model
Fundamental powers of the state
Currency
Regulation
Taxes/Expenditure
Monetary policy
Regulatory policy
Fiscal policy
Three core levers at the disposal of governments for managing the economy and society, implementing policy and influencing behavior. [Note: The most fundamental power of the state is its military and administrative control of territory, without which the other powers cannot be exercised]

7. Regulatory Policy
Regulatory policy is about achieving government's objectives through the use of regulations, laws, and other instruments to deliver better economic and social outcomes and thus enhance the life of citizens and business.
The objective of regulatory policy is to ensure that regulations are in the public interest. It addresses the permanent need to ensure that regulations and regulatory frameworks are justified, of good quality and “fit for purpose”
Source: OECD (2015), OECD regulatory policy outlook Paris

8. Instruments of Public Policy - Examples
Laws/regulations/decrees
Indirect measures by government agencies without binding force, but associated benefits, if and when applied (e.g. tax stimuli)
Subsidy payments
Use of public procurement processes to promote desired behaviours / outcomes
Contribution to and support of voluntary measures («self-regulation» by an industry through «codes of conduct», voluntary standards without legal enforcement)

9. And what is QI?
Definition adopted in June 2017 by DCMAS Network (BIPM, IAF, IEC, ILAC, ISO, ITC, ITU, OIML, UNECE and UNIDO) and the World Bank. “The system comprising the organizations (public and private) together with the policies, relevant legal and regulatory framework, and practices needed to support and enhance the quality, safety and environmental soundness of goods, services and processes.”

10. And what is QI (ctd)
“The quality infrastructure is required for the effective operation of domestic markets, and its international recognition is important to enable access to foreign markets. It is a critical element in promoting and sustaining economic development, as well as environmental and social wellbeing.
It relies on
metrology • standardization • accreditation • conformity assessment, and • market surveillance”

11. A simple circle Standards
Definition of properties, dimensions, tolerances, etc.
Accreditation
Recognition of technical competence and impartiality
Accreditation
Hardware
Standards
Certification
Conformity with requirements defined by standards
Certification
Metrology
Testing
Analysis of properties, ingredients, characteristics, etc.
Metrology
Guarantees exact and reliable measurements
Testing

12. A complex system

13. Now think of Public Policy and …
The elaboration of technical regulations
The use of (international, regional) standards
The conformity assessment regime
The role of accreditation
Effective market surveillance
AND
- The role of metrology

14. especially QI sensitive areas
Any examples of
especially QI sensitive areas
of Public Policy?

15. The Actors in the Public Policy Process
Executive branch
of Government
Legislative body
(Parliament)
Judiciary
(court system)
Business & Civil Society

16. Actors in Public Policy
Is the voice of business and civil society sufficiently heard in the public policy process?
Some critical factors:
Degree of organization?
Capacities and expertise for advocacy?
Accessibility of government?

17. Thank you very much for your kind attention