DEVELOPMENT POLICY MONITORING ISSUES – REGIONAL AND LOCAL EXPERIENCES IN RIGA REGION

Abstract

Elaboration and use of development policy monitoring instruments promotes applicable and effective policy implementation and decision making, which is based on regular and systematic verification of resources, actions and results. On different policy development levels exists varied approach of defining specific aims and use of policy monitoring measures. Since activation of development monitoring issues in Latvia, some institutions have gained experience in elaboration of monitoring systems among them Riga region and its local municipalities practise various approaches using policy monitoring instruments.

Specific study analyzes theoretical aspects of different development monitoring approaches and factors that impact its quality. Monitoring performance evaluation is based mostly on territory development comparative analysis using the methods of statistical analysis by assessing territory development indicators. Practical examples explain experiences of development tendencies and policy evaluation as well as impact on further decision making and policy implementation. Analyze of development planning system laws and regulations explain legal basis impact on processes in the field of development policy elaboration, implementation and monitoring.

Development monitoring and its role and effectiveness evaluation, and further monitoring system optimization analysis is an objective of this article. On different policy development levels exists varied approach on elaboration, implementation and monitoring of specific policy. This study analyzes the matter contextually on state, regional and local levels.

Observations indicate link between development priorities and budget planning is a principally essential precondition for implementation of development policies. Different development monitoring approaches are determined by aim of the specific policy. Development evaluation mostly express as monitoring of general development processes, connected to specific aims or policies. Overall approach of development policy monitoring mostly is oriented on evaluation of planning documents. Riga region development monitoring practice is considered as successful, till now and within nearest future region’s development monitoring realization based on statistics, thematic studies, efficiency analysis and functional monitoring is expected.

Further research would be focused on new approaches on elaborating development monitoring instruments for suitability of use for specific aims on different policy development levels. Regional development monitoring system improvements would be connected with elaboration of operational indicators structure and the creation of flexible thematic indicators system. Permanently on the agenda of Riga region are monitoring themes such as public sector efficiency, the society's economic activity, social activity, population needs and movement. Specific thematic research is needed for solving challenges of environmental quality, human settlements and infrastructure planning, public transport, school network planning and other issues.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eis.0.5.1070