In the social sciences, there’s a long-standing tension between explaining the past and predicting the future. Traditional impact evaluation often looks backward. At AImpact Lab, we look ahead, using data science tools to support smarter decisions, even when systems are complex or not fully understood. Just as you don’t need to understand an engine to steer a car, we don’t need perfect theories to identify effective actions.
While tools like randomized experiments are valuable, they often fall short in fast-moving or uncertain environments. That’s why we combine machine learning with econometrics to go beyond static evaluations. Our approach adapts to changing conditions and simulates the impact of interventions across different scenarios, enabling in that way more dynamic and forward-looking strategies.