Abstract:
As the aim of impact assessment is to make an optimal decision, the data used in regulatory impact analysis plays an important role in choosing the best alternative decision. Unfortunately, identifying data sources relevant for the analyzed issue is a frequently encountered difficulty in the preparation of regulatory impact analysis documents. Besides the problem of data availability, the problem of their diversity alsopersists, as well as, their validity and reliability. Erroneous or incomplete data can also
be a serious threat to the validity of impact assessment. So, the objectives of a good data management system within impact assessments should include ensuring data availability and quality, and their being delivered on time. Supplying timely data provides better integration of data collection and processing, so that errors can be detected and corrected before the competent authority makes the decision. Finally, the
data collection and processing process, designed and implemented correctly, could improve the overall quality of impact assessment and of the decision-making process because it represents an objective exploration of the facts on a given topic of public policy.
