How can we know if social programs will work? (Stuart M. Butler, Brookings)

We would all agree that it is unwise to spend a ton of public or private money expanding a program or launching a new product unless we have a pretty good idea that it works. That’s why, for instance, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires drug companies to undertake extensive – and expensive – testing to determine if a new medicine is safe and effective. The evaluation is to protect patients of course, but also taxpayers who help pay for medicines through Medicare and other health programs.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2016/03/22-how-can-we-know-if-social-programs-will-work-butler