UDAPE

Summarizes final evaluation (XD-ABE-612-A) of a project to establish a semiautonomous Economic Policy Analysis Unit (UDAPE) within Bolivia's Ministry of Planning (MOP). The evaluation covered the period 1983-7/91. UDAPE is recognized as an effective organization, both within Bolivia and internationally. In terms of the quality and quantity of studies conducted, and their impact on Bolivia's macroeconomic environment, UDAPE has surpassed Project Paper expectations and targets. However, the theoretical character of many of the studies has limited their audience and impact. There are concerns about UDAPE as an organization, in particular, its change in role following a 4/86 project amendment which emphasized its function as an in-house policy advisor and staff support for the MOP. While increasing UDAPE's policy impact, this shift limited its range of clients and base of support, and undermined its role as an agenda setter. While UDAPE still focuses primarily on issues pertaining to economic stabilization, there is considerable demand for a greater emphasis on economic reactivation and growth. Such a change in research agenda, while desirable, will increase the Unit's vulnerabilit

Source: DEC abstract, PD-ABE-612 (1992). The source's own text.