Policy Brief 16 | Health Emergency Plan

The Health Emergency Plan was presented in May 2024 by the Ministry of Health. This plan is a health policy instrument aimed at tackling urgent and priority challenges in access to healthcare in Portugal. Structured around five strategic axes, the plan proposes a comprehensive set of measures that respond to the current critical needs of the healthcare system. Each strategic axis was analysed by a group of health professionals, resulting in the preparation of Policy Briefs that summarise the main recommendations and directions for action. These documents also present a critical analysis of the measures implemented and propose possible improvements…
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Report 11 – Generative AI and Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities

Generative AI (GenAI) became a global sensation in late 2022 with the release of ChatGPT. In higher education, it quickly demonstrated its potential to enhance learning, from helping students summarize materials to assisting teachers in class preparation and grading. GenAI, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot, can also create new content across various formats such as text, images, video, and sound. Additionally, AI technologies that analyze large datasets ("big data") are expected to play a significant role in addressing long-standing educational challenges like student dropouts and curriculum development. Despite its benefits, there is…
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Policy Paper 35 | Intergenerational Justice in Portugal: Environment and Natural Resources

This article builds an index of intergenerational justice for Portugal, in the area of ​​environment and natural resources, taking into account data that is made available annually. Assessing intergenerational justice in the context of the environment and natural resources presents important operational challenges. The difficulty of quantifying this justice leads us to use an associated but distinct concept, which is strong sustainability, and which translates into leaving future generations with a level of “natural capital” no lower than that received by current generations.We adopt a contractually approach to intergenerational justice in which the hypothetical social contract between generations may or…
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Headwinds and Tailwinds: Navigating Budgets in Turbulent Times – Launch of the Open Budget Survey 2023

The International Budget Partnership will launch its latest Open Budget Survey report – the only independent, comparative, and regular measure of budget transparency and accountability around the world – at a virtual public event. This latest survey marks our largest round ever—with 125 countries assessed. As conversations around climate financing, debt and other key issues loom large, the budget process is an essential space for governments to engage their people in critical decisions they are making around how to raise and spend public money.  Our launch presents a unique opportunity to showcase key findings from the survey and concrete paths to…
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Policy Paper 34 | The Sustainable Development Goals in the budgetary process of Local Authorities

The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are relevant to local strategic development for several reasons. The 2030 Agenda offers a global action plan for sustainable development, with targets that can be localized and adapted to the specific realities of each municipality. An integration of the SDGs in strategic planning starting at the definition of strategic priorities and aligning them with the existing munic- ipality planning instruments, ensures that public resources are used efficiently and effec- tively, contributing to the achievement of the SDG targets. In the budget process, the integration of the SDGs can be done…
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Policy Paper 33 | Public Sector Efficiency: exploring (some) reasons for why it’s needed

A country's performance is significantly influenced by the size and efficiency of its public sector, as well as how effectively it utilizes its often-limited resources. Evaluating the performance of the public sector and understanding the factors driving its efficiency are crucial from both economic and policy perspectives. This evaluation enables the maximization of societal welfare and the optimization of investment projects, thereby stimulating economic growth. The literature has long debated the role and size of government, particularly due to the considerable variations in government spending across countries. This debate gains even more significance in times when governments face stringent budget…
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Policy Paper 32 | Tax Effort, Tax Capacity and Tax Potential in Portugal

This policy paper aims to provide and discuss empirical estimates of tax effort, tax capacity and tax potential in a comparative perspective with an emphasis on Portugal´s placement within the group of advanced economies. A careful discussion of the concepts of tax effort, tax capacity, and tax potential is particularly important as these offer valuable insights into the efficiency and sustainability of the tax system, providing a basis for informed fiscal policy decisions that can impact economic growth, fiscal stability, and social equity. Click here to read the Policy Paper 32 - Tax Effort, Tax Capacity and Tax Potential in Portugal
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Policy Paper 32 | Gender-sensitive Budgeting – Implementing Gender-sensitive Budgeting in Portugal

Gender-sensitive budgeting (GSB) was formally introduced in Portugal through the State Budget Law of 2018. However, its implementation has been slow, with progress being mostly at an introductory stage. The objective of this policy paper is to analyze the process of introduction and implementation of GSB in Portugal, identifying the progress made, as well as the limitations and constraints hindering the consolidation of the initiative. The policy paper is structured as follows. A brief introduction defines GSB and justifies its relevance for promoting gender equality. The implementation process is then characterized, with a brief assessment of its achievements and limitations.…
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Policy Paper 31 | Intergenerational Health Justice Index

Health and public health policies have an intergenerational potential that is not dispensable, and it is necessary to consider the long-term effects of the decisions associated with these policies. The socio-economic determinants of health, the economic development and the sharing of resources have implications for the health of future generations and therefore deserve specific attention. In fact, in health, the benefits and contributions to health investments are captured differently throughout the life of each individual, but also between individuals of different generations. The potential discrepancies between the various generations therefore motivate the analysis of the evolution of intergenerational justice in…
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Policy Paper 30 | Policy and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the AI Act and in Portugal

This Policy Paper addresses the policy and regulation of Artificial Intelligence, with a particular focus on the AI Act and the context in Portugal. It includes thorough analyses and clear recommendations on public policies. The authors, André Ilharco and Steffen Hoernig, provide a comprehensive perspective on the impact of AI in society and legislation. The document explores AI's implications in various sectors, discussing both the challenges and opportunities it presents. It is essential for those looking to understand the intersection of AI technology and public policies in a European and Portuguese context.Click here to read Policy Paper 30 "Policy and…
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