Abstract
The purpose of this note is to summarize empirical literature in economics addressing two key evidence challenges: (i) scaling up innovations or interventions that have shown promising impacts at smaller scales, and (ii) assessing the external validity of impact estimates. In this context, scaling refers to expanding an innovation’s reach—across larger populations, geographic areas, or time periods—based on existing evidence. External validity concerns the extent to which study results can be generalized to different contexts. We aim to provide guidance on the challenges and limitations of transferring impact estimates both within and beyond their original study settings.
Citation
Labarta, R., Lybbert, T.J., Melaku, A., Walker, M., & Yang, C. (2025). Interpolating and extrapolating impact estimates: Implications of ex post impact evaluation evidence for projecting benefits ex ante. Technical Note N.13. Rome: SPIA.
Author(s)
Ricardo Labarta, Travis J. Lybbert, Astewale Melaku, Madeleine Walker, Chunhao Yang.
Publisher
SPIA
