Multi-annual International Benchmarking Study
How do governments deliver high-quality public services while making the best use of public resources? What drives citizen trust and satisfaction in public institutions?
To help answer these questions, EIPA, in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, conducted the fourth edition of its International Benchmarking Study on Public Sector Performance.
Covering the period 2022–2025, the study compares the performance of public services across 35 countries. It examines not only outcomes and efficiency, but also the broader policy and regulatory environments that influence performance. Particular attention is given to citizen satisfaction and trust, recognising that effective public services are measured not only by what they deliver, but also by how they are perceived by those who use them.
The study analyses ten policy areas that have a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives:
- Public administration
- Education
- Housing
- Social Safety
- Economy, Infrastructure and Science, Technology and Innovation
- Social Security, Employment, Income and Wealth
- Environmental Protection and Climate Change
- Health
- Sports
- International Best Practices in Social Security Systems
By identifying high-performing systems and exploring the factors behind their success, the project provides policymakers with evidence-based insights to improve public service delivery and public sector performance.
As stated by Frans van Dongen, Programme Manager at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the Netherlands:
“In the area of public performance, lessons can often be learned from policy systems and best practices in other countries. Systematic exploration of such promising examples is essential for the improvement of government performance. With the International Benchmarking Study Public Sector Performance 2022-2025, EIPA has developed a highly meaningful and rich knowledge source for evidence-based policymaking within government across Europe. I hope the study will be a source of inspiration for many policymakers.”
To ensure broad accessibility and practical use of the findings, EIPA complemented the publication of the studies with dedicated dissemination activities, policy conferences and interactive dashboards. These tools enable policymakers, researchers and public sector professionals to explore data, compare countries and identify best practices in a clear and user-friendly manner.
Rewatch dissemination activities
Building on previous editions conducted in 2004, 2012 and 2015, the International Benchmarking Study continues to serve as a valuable resource for governments seeking to learn from international experience and strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of their public services.
