Authors: Bérénice Dupeux and Laura Van den Bossche (Ecorys)
Editor: Miranda García (AEIDL)
As part of its ambition to support the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans 2023-2027 and to prepare for the post-2027 phase, Tools4CAP has released an updated version of its online inventory of methods and tools.
This new version builds on the initial inventory, which was developed through desk research and 121 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders across 25 EU Member States. While the original inventory focused on tools used during the design phase of the CAP Strategic Plans (2023–2027), it now also includes tools from the research community deemed ready for use by national managing authorities. Additionally, it incorporates insights from national focus groups and an online survey conducted as part of the project’s evaluation and benchmarking activities. These inputs helped expand and simplify the inventory, increasing the total number of tools from 85 to 94.
The update not only expands the content but also introduces structural improvements to make the inventory more practical and user-friendly. The categorisation system has been streamlined to improve clarity and usability. In addition, the inventory now identifies the current users of each tool—often ministries or national agencies—rather than their original developers.
The inventory continues to be organised around four categories: stakeholder engagement tools, policy choices supporting tools, policy analysis tools for evidence-based decisions, and monitoring and data collection tools. These tools support various stages of CSP design, implementation, and monitoring—whether gathering input from stakeholders, guiding decision-making, generating evidence, or collecting data for performance assessment.
Stakeholder engagement tools, which are mainly qualitative, include interviews, workshops, digital platforms, and vision-building exercises. Policy choices supporting tools help navigate complex decision-making processes using structured methods such as logic models or scenario analysis. Policy analysis tools generate scientific or empirical evidence to support both planning and review. Monitoring and data collection tools provide the information needed to evaluate how the CAP plans are working.
The updated inventory is now available on the Tools4CAP website and offers improved search and navigation features. Users can filter tools by Member State, category, or task, and sort results to quickly find relevant content. Each tool has its own detailed webpage with standardised and clear information.
This resource is designed for all stakeholders involved in CAP planning and monitoring at the national, regional, and EU level, including managing authorities, governance bodies, research institutions, and consultative bodies.
The inventory will continue incorporating new tools, methodologies, and approaches from within and outside the EU. Its final update is planned for October 2026.
More information: D1.4 Inventory of methods & tools used by MSs (II)