This is a working note outlining the initial processes behind the SME Test Methodology. It is a notable deliverable part of the Developing an RIA SME Test Methodology for Georgia, while strengthening the capacity of the Government of Georgia to utilize SME RIA tools in practice Project, as funded by the UNDP and led by ISET Policy Institute.

Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a process of evidence-based policymaking, which helps in designing better regulations. This process creates evidence for political decision-makers on the advantages and disadvantages of proposed policies by assessing their potential impacts. The results are summarized and presented in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report.

On March 19, ReforMeter and the USAID Economic Governance Program hosted a third public-private dialogue dedicated to assessing the progress of the RIA institutionalization reform that aims to integrate the execution of RIAs into the routine practice of policymaking and implementation.

Georgia is committed to various international agreements on climate change, notably the Paris Agreement and the Association Agreement with the European Union. Recently, in 2021, Georgia announced a new Nationally Determined Contribution, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to 1990 levels.

On November 28, ISET Policy Institute held a free Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) basic course for local government officials. RIA is one of the best mechanisms for evidence-based policy development, and the preparation of it became mandatory for a number of normative acts initiated by the government since 2020.