Evaluation during implementation (mid-term evaluation) of strategic planning documents in the fields of digital transformation and justice

The Institute for Development and International Relations is conducting the mid-term evaluation of the Digital Croatia Strategy for the period until 2032 and the National Plan for the Development of the Judicial System 2022–2027. The purpose of the project is to provide an independent, analytically grounded assessment of progress achieved, the continuing relevance of the objectives and measures, the justification of the resources committed, policy coherence, and the capacity to sustain the outcomes and impacts attained.

Particular attention is devoted to the digital transformation of the judiciary, including the modernisation of information and communication technology infrastructure, the interoperability of registers and databases, the development of electronic services and communication channels, and the effects of digitalisation on the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of judicial services. The evaluation also examines the institutional, organisational, financial and human-resource conditions required for the successful implementation of reforms.

The project is being implemented by a multidisciplinary IRMO team with expertise in public policy evaluation, digital policy and digital transformation, and judicial system development. The methodological approach combines the analysis of strategic, implementation and reporting documents; the examination of administrative and statistical data and indicators; surveys; interviews; and focus groups with key stakeholders. The evaluation applies the criteria of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence and sustainability, while also identifying barriers, risks, unintended effects and examples of good practice.

The project outputs will include an inception report setting out the methodological framework and evaluation questions, a progress report on data collection and analysis, and a final report presenting the findings, conclusions and actionable recommendations. The recommendations will provide an analytical basis for adjusting existing measures and priorities and for defining key reforms and investments in digital transformation and judicial system development beyond 2027.

The project contributes to strengthening evidence-informed decision-making, enhancing the transparency of public policy implementation, and improving the strategic governance of digital transformation. In doing so, it connects IRMO’s research and evaluation capacities with the current development needs of Croatia’s public administration and judicial system.