How does one determine the social profitability of a policy measure, infrastructure project or legislative proposal? These questions may be addressed with a socio-economic impact analysis (e.g. cost-benefit analysis) where positive impacts (benefits) and negative impacts (costs) are identified, quantified and expressed in monetary terms. A project is profitable to society if the total benefits are greater than the total costs.

At Anthesis we regularly carry out socio-economic impact analyses across a variety of contexts, with a particular focus on assessing environmental changes. We also have experience in analyzing outcomes related to health, culture and infrastructure. We work in close cooperation with our clients and develop project-specific frameworks. A project usually takes between four and ten weeks.

A selection of completed projects

• Socio-economic impact assessment of new Swedish application fees for plant protection products  and biocides, 2012. Funded by the Swedish Agency for Chemicals.
• Extended cost-benefit analysis of Programmes of Measures for catchment areas, specifically concerning consequences for agriculture, 2009. Funded by the Swedish Federation of Farmers.
• Cost-benefit analysis of the Inspire (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) Directive, 2008. Funded by Lantmäteriet.
• Guidelines for socio-economic impact assessment with a focus on the cultural environment, 2007-2008. Funded by the Swedish National Heritage Board; Consultant.
• Cost-benefit analysis as a tool for prioritization of remediation measures for polluted areas, 2006-2007. Funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
• Guidelines for economic analysis of Programme of Measures in the Water Framework Directive, 2006. Funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

For further information please contact Agneta Persson (Agneta.Persson@anthesisgroup.com).