COMPARATIVE CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF EVALUATION POLICIES AND SYSTEM IN ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN AND GEORGIA

Abstract

This Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) presents a comparative cross-country analysis of National Evaluation Systems (NES) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The study aims to assess the current state of NES in the South Caucasus region, to identify key barriers and opportunities and to analyse how political and economic realities affect performance of evaluation systems. In order to achieve these objectives, we conducted deep analysis of policy documents, institutional reports and collected primary qualitative data. The analysis identifies three key obstacles, such as limited political will, severe resource constraints, and capacity gaps. Based on the case study analysis of Malaysia and South Africa, we created recommendations that focus on formalizing NES, creating a central, independent coordinating body, building capacity, and shifting from output-based metrics to outcome-oriented evaluation. The PAE offers practical recommendations towards strengthening evaluation systems in the South Caucasus region, which ensure transparency, accountability and evidence-based policy making.