About OPI

Oxford Policy Institute (OPI) is an independent charity that leads, promotes and co-ordinates international research designed to find practical ways of improving the quality and efficiency of public services.

OPI engages public sector managers directly in identifying problems, analysing good international practice and searching for feasible, evidence-based local solutions.

OPI generates its main impact by working with groups of local and international researchers and public sector managers.

“Achieving world class public services is a huge and urgent challenge everywhere” Nick Morris, OPI Trustee.

A list of current projects is available here

A list of recent publications is available here
Contact us here

OPI stands for…

• independence from political, commercial and ideological bias
• rigorous, world class comparative research
• innovation in research methods and means of communication
• collaborations built on mutual respect and trust
• continuous learning from its own and others’ experience.

Motivation matters

OPI believes that improving public sector performance depends primarily on devising strategies that motivate public servants – politicians, bureaucrats, managers, judges, doctors, nurses, teachers and the police - to perform well. OPI's research informs public sector developments by comparing the incentives in different countries that best generate good policies; stimulate managers to work in the public interest; and encourage the delivery of efficient, high-quality public services.

Making the most of ICT

Advances in communication technologies, which were barely conceivable a decade ago, allow people around the world see how others live. This is creating an explosion in the demand for more accountable governments, honest politicians, competent civil servants, better education and health and better economic prospects for citizens and their children.

This same technology has created unprecedented opportunities to connect policy managers and research teams across continents, allowing them to work together, developing ideas and sharing experience. Oxford Policy Institute is harnessing this technology to help governments achieve world-class public services.