Cohort: ESOL 42

Topic of the thesis: From Evidence to Policy: Understanding the Organizational and Institutional Determinants of Statistical Evidence Use in Public Decision-Making in EU Candidate Countries

Abstract: Evidence-informed policymaking has become increasingly important in contemporary public governance, particularly in EU candidate countries undergoing institutional reform and European integration. Yet, the availability of high-quality statistical data does not necessarily translate into its systematic use in public decision-making. This research examines the organizational and institutional factors that shape the use of statistical evidence in policymaking, focusing on Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Drawing on institutional theory, organizational sociology, and knowledge utilization theory, the study investigates the role of organizational structures, professional cultures, leadership practices, inter-institutional relations, and European integration pressures. A comparative mixed-methods design combines document analysis, organizational case studies, semi-structured interviews, and survey research. The project aims to explain why some public institutions successfully integrate statistical evidence into decision-making while others do not, contributing to research on organizations, governance, and evidence-informed policymaking in contexts of institutional transformation.

Research interests: Evidence-informed policymaking; Organizational sociology; Artificial intelligence and human resource management

Graduated from: Epoka University (BA; MA)

Degrees obtained: BA in International Marketing and Logistics Management; MSc in Business Administration 

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