News Finding: "The fact that we are able to generate such significant gains because of a simple change to the resettlement process is a demonstration of just how important it is to bring data-driven insights to policy-making processes," Weinstein says.
Paper Finding: Our approach led to gains of roughly 40 to 70%, on average, in refugees' employment outcomes relative to current assignment practices.
News Context: Yet in contrast to more expensive policy interventions, such as job or language training for refugees, the results of the algorithm, the code of which is available for free to any organization or government, are promising, the researchers say. "The fact that we are able to generate such significant gains because of a simple change to the resettlement process is a demonstration of just how important it is to bring data-driven insights to policy-making processes," Weinstein says. The group says they still need to confirm the algorithm's predictions through prospective tests that implement this approach in real time.
Paper Context: Our approach led to gains of roughly 40 to 70%, on average, in refugees' employment outcomes relative to current assignment practices. This approach can provide governments with a practical and cost-efficient policy tool that can be immediately implemented within existing institutional structures. It is also one of the most consequential in maximizing refugees' economic integration and self-sufficiency as a first step toward a more comprehensive integration into society (7-9).