Using big data for evaluating development outcomes: lessons for evaluation during COVID
Significant data gaps remain in monitoring and evaluating development outcomes. Big data—that is digitally generated, passively produced and automatically collected—offer a great potential for answering some of these data needs. The use of big data in evaluation has become ever more relevant after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, which has severely limited the researchers’ opportunity to collect data in the field with traditional methods.
Speakers: Francis Rathinam, senior evaluation specialist, 3ie and Xavier Vollenweider, economist, Flowminder Foundation
Discussant: Federica Di Battista, consultant, WHO.
Chair: Edoardo Masset, deputy director, CEDIL.
Time: 12:45 - 14:00 BST
In the talk, the authors will present a systematic map highlighting how big data are being innovatively used in measuring and evaluating development outcomes. The authors will also discuss the risks, biases and ethical challenges in using big data. The presentation will offer an opportunity to discuss what tools and technologies are available to conduct evaluation in the time of COVID.