20 March | 9:00–11:30 CET
This Policy Lab is the second in a series of Policy Labs taking place this spring as part of MERGE. In this Policy Lab we will discuss how budgetary decisions are made, as they have important implications on quality of life. Wellbeing budgeting is an approach that puts people’s wellbeing and environmental health at the heart of public investment and funding decisions.
This way of budgeting rethinks how governments allocate resources by shifting the focus from inputs to outcomes. In practice, it means:
Outcome-based budgeting – prioritising citizens’ wellbeing and addressing long-term challenges such as mental health, child poverty, and environmental sustainability
A holistic approach – integrating social, environmental, and economic indicators for the wellbeing of present and future generations
Collaborative governance – breaking silos and fostering cooperation across departments and policy areas
The Policy Lab will open with two keynote speakers sharing international perspectives and hands-on experience:
- Katherine Scrivens, OECD WISE
- Dr Cressida Gaukroger, independent expert on wellbeing economics and government systems change, andauthor of Carnegie UK’s report ‘Budgeting for Wellbeing: International Approaches’.
These contributions will set the scene for the presentation and discussion of three national and regional case studies: the Irish budgetary process based on the Wellbeing Framework, the Italian budgetary process based on the Equitable and Sustainable Wellbeing Framework and Sardinia Region’s attractiveness compass, in the context of the OECD Rethinking regional attractiveness compass programme, and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The case studies will be discussed in depth in interactive breakout sessions where participants can exchange experiences, explore challenges, and reflect together on how budgetary processes can be improved to enhance quality of life and long-term decision-making, embed more holistic approaches and shape policymaking.
The outcomes of the Policy Lab will feed into a policy brief developed after the event, helping translate shared learning into actionable guidance for advancing sustainable and inclusive wellbeing through public policy.
Detailed agenda
Join us!
Hosted by the European Policy Centre, this Policy Lab aims to turn shared expertise into actionable recommendations for more wellbeing-driven public budgets.
Join us and help shape procurement policies that deliver wellbeing for all, and stay tuned for upcoming Policy Labs spanning multiple political domains of the EU.
