Artificial intelligence (AI) and data technologies are transforming how organisations assess the effects of their programmes. In social impact evaluation, these tools help make sense of large amounts of information, highlight patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed, and support more timely decision-making. Rather than replacing human insight, AI and data analytics strengthen evaluation by making analysis more efficient and revealing insights that can guide programme improvement.
A key application is artificial intelligence for program analysis. AI systems can process vast datasets from multiple sources — such as surveys, administrative records, or social media — and identify trends that manual review might miss. This is especially valuable in complex programmes where outcomes don’t follow a simple pattern. Machine learning in evaluation, a branch of AI, allows algorithms to learn from data over time, improving their ability to detect subtle relationships between intervention activities and outcomes without being explicitly programmed in advance.
For many organisations, particularly smaller ones, data analytics for NGOs has opened new opportunities to measure effectiveness. User-friendly analytics platforms can summarise data, uncover patterns, and visualise results in ways that are accessible even to teams without deep technical expertise. This helps NGOs understand what is working well and where adjustments may be needed.
Another emerging area is predictive modeling for impact, where historical data is used to project likely outcomes under different scenarios. Predictive models can help programme managers anticipate challenges, target resources more effectively, and make informed choices early in an intervention rather than waiting until the end.
Finally, AI tools for monitoring and evaluation — including natural language processing and automated data cleaning — reduce time spent on routine tasks and improve data quality. When used thoughtfully, AI and data innovations can make impact evaluation faster, more accurate, and more relevant to programme learning and decision-making.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
Best Practice: Use of AI in Impact Assessment
This handout published by the International Association for Impact Assessment lists certain core principles for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in impact assessment. These basic principles work as cornerstones of responsible and ethical use of AI in social impact evaluation.
This article by Gerard Fitzgerald and C. Nick Taylor examines how artificial intelligence intersects with social impact assessment (SIA). The authors explore how different AI technologies may affect communities and individuals, and they discuss the need for appropriate regulatory and decision-making frameworks. The article also highlights the importance of participatory public processes to better recognise and address the social implications of AI.
For in-depth understanding #
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Impact Assessment
This study by Mehreen Khan and Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhry examines the views of international impact assessment experts on the potential opportunities and risks that artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, may bring to the field of impact assessment.
Harnessing the power of AI in impact evaluations
This panel from the UNICEF and WFP Global Evaluation Forum 2024 at the United Nations discusses the context and emergence of AI in creating better evidence as well as the ethical principles of using AI to empower impact evaluations.
Case study #
Governing with Artificial Intelligence
This report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, prepared under its Horizontal Project ‘Thriving with AI: Empowering Economies and Societies,’ examines how artificial intelligence is being applied across government functions. Drawing on more than 200 use cases in 11 key areas of public administration, the report analyses the current use of AI and explores its future potential in government decision-making, policy evaluation, and areas related to social impact assessment.
Impact assessment in the age of artificial intelligence: reflections from IAIA25
The theme of the 2025 conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), held in Bologna, was ‘Impact Assessment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. This article by Thiri Shwesin Aung and Thomas B. Fischer discusses the major themes emerging from the IAIA25 and identifies areas where more research and implementation is required.
References #
AI for Social Good: The role of rigorous impact evaluations in maximizing AI’s potential
