Training on policy, strategic analytics held

Islamabad:The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) organised a two-day training programme-School for Policy and Strategic Analytics-to provide policymakers, researchers, and professionals with analytical tools for policy evaluation and strategic decision-making.

The programme aimed to enhance participants' ability to apply data-driven methodologies in policy formulation and strategic planning. The training featured sessions led by experts, including Dr. Aneel Salman, Dr. Zonaib Tahir, Dr. Mahmood Khalid, Dr. Usman Chohan, and Mr. Sheraz Ahmad. Participants were introduced to techniques for measuring policy impact, analysing online behaviour through netnography, and using statistical models for economic assessments. The sessions combined theoretical instruction with practical exercises, enabling attendees to understand how to integrate analytics into their work. A key component of the program was impact assessment, where participants learned how to evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions using evidence-based metrics.

The training also covered predictive modelling and data visualisation, essential for interpreting complex datasets and making informed policy recommendations. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, building statistical models and applying quantitative methods to real-world policy challenges.

The programme also addressed digital behaviour analysis, introducing netnography as a tool to study public sentiment and online trends. This approach provided participants with insights into how digital engagement influences policy discourse and decision-making. Through case studies and scenario-based learning, attendees explored how these techniques could be used to assess economic, social, and governance trends.

Beyond technical skills, the training encouraged collaboration among professionals from various sectors. Interactive discussions and group exercises allowed participants to exchange perspectives and develop interdisciplinary approaches to policy challenges. The networking opportunities facilitated by the program aimed to foster long-term professional connections among policymakers, researchers, and analysts working on strategic issues.

The initiative is part of IPRI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen analytical capacity in public policy and strategic management. By equipping professionals with data-driven methodologies, the institute seeks to enhance evidence-based decision-making in governance and policy planning.