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Gevorg Minasyan MAP ’23 initially encountered the MITx MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) — collaboratively overseen by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and MIT Open Learning — while he aimed to enhance his understanding of crafting impactful, evidence-driven policies during his tenure at the Central Bank of Armenia. Following his completion of the MicroMasters program, Minasyan felt motivated to pursue MIT’s Master’s in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy curriculum.
Currently, Minasyan holds the position of director at the Research and Training Center within the Central Bank of Armenia. He has managed to integrate the knowledge he gained from MIT into his professional endeavors and has aspired to institutionalize a framework of evidence-based policymaking both at the bank and more widely across Armenia. He discussed his experience with MIT Open Learning regarding his trek through the DEDP programs, notable insights, and how his education at MIT continues to serve as a cornerstone for his professional efforts.
Q: What initially attracted you to the DEDP MicroMasters, and what were some standout features of the program?
A: While working at the Central Bank of Armenia, I consistently pondered: Is it possible to establish a system where public policy decisions are based on solid evidence? Too frequently, I observed public initiatives that, despite good intentions, aimed at tackling urgent issues yet ended up failing to effect meaningful change. Occasionally this was due to inadequate design; at other times, the objectives simply did not align with what the citizens genuinely required or anticipated. Such experiences left a significant mark on me and ignited a powerful curiosity to better comprehend what is effective, what is not, and the reasons behind it.
This quest directed me toward the DEDP MicroMasters program, which became a crucial turning point in my career. From the very first course, I recognized that this was not merely another academic endeavor — it signified a radically different approach to development policy. The curriculum fused intensive training in economics, data analysis, and impact assessment with a robust focus on real-world application. We were not merely learning theories or executing regressions — we were schooled to pose the right inquiries, critically analyze causality, and discern the compromises involved in policy choices.
Furthermore, what distinguished the MicroMasters was its blended framework. I was able to obtain a world-class education while seamlessly managing my full-time obligations at the Central Bank. This relevance made the learning experience both profound and immediately useful. Even during my studies, I found myself applying classroom insights to my daily policy tasks, whether refining approaches to assess financial inclusion initiatives or reevaluating our methods of analyzing administrative data.
Simultaneously, the program’s international character fostered a dynamic and varied community. I connected with students and professionals hailing from numerous nations, each contributing unique viewpoints. These engagements enriched the coursework and helped me realize that despite contextual differences, the challenges surrounding effective policy design — and the power of evidence to enhance lives — were surprisingly universal. It was a rare blend: intellectually stimulating, practically oriented, globally interconnected, and personally transformative.
Q: Can you elaborate on your experiences in the Master’s in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy residential program?
A: The MicroMasters journey motivated me to advance further, leading me to apply for the full-time, residential master’s program at MIT. That year was nothing less than transformative. It not only refined my technical and analytical abilities but also fundamentally altered my perspective on policymaking.
One of the most impactful courses I took during the master’s program was 14.760 (Firms, Markets, Trade, and Growth). The analytical tools it provided were directly applicable to the systemic challenges I observed among Armenian firms. Driven by this connection, I developed a comparable course that I now teach at the American University of Armenia. Each year, I engage with students to explore the daily obstacles hindering firm performance, aiming to produce data-driven research that could shape business strategy within Armenia.
The residential master’s program taught me that evidence-based decision-making begins with a shift in mindset. It’s not solely about applying tools; it’s about embracing a willingness to challenge assumptions, being transparent about uncertainties, and maintaining the humility to let data inform our instincts. I also grew to understand that genuinely effective policy design isn’t about identifying one-time solutions but about fostering dynamic feedback mechanisms that enable continuous learning from implementation.
This approach is crucial for refining programs in real time, adapting to new knowledge, and steering clear of static, one-size-fits-all strategies. Equally beneficial was becoming part of MIT and J-PAL’s extensive network. The connections I forged with researchers, practitioners, and fellow students from around the globe provided me enduring insights into how institutions can systematically integrate analysis into their fundamental operations. This experience broadened my perspective not only for my initiatives but also for how public institutions like central banks can lead efforts in fostering an evidence-based culture.
Q: How are you implementing the knowledge you’ve acquired from the DEDP programs at the Central Bank of Armenia?
A: As director of the Research and Training Center at the Central Bank of Armenia, I have embraced a new type of accountability: spearheading efforts to expand evidence-based decision-making not just within the Central Bank but throughout a wider ecosystem of public institutions in Armenia. This involves enhancing internal capabilities, rethinking how research informs policy choices, and cultivating collaborations that advance a culture rooted in data-driven decision-making.
Beyond the classroom, the adeptness I garnered through the DEDP program has been indispensable in my role in shaping real-world policies in Armenia. A particularly timely instance is our national endeavor for a cashless economy — one of the most prominent and intricate reform initiatives today. In recent years, the government has introduced a series of audacious policies aimed at promoting the usage of non-cash payments, all part of a broader ambition to modernize the financial landscape, mitigate the shadow economy, and heighten transparency. Notable initiatives include a cashback program designed to incentivize pensioners to adopt digital payments and the mandatory rollout of non-cash payment terminals across businesses nationwide. In my capacity on an inter-agency policy team, I depend extensively on the analytical techniques from DEDP to assess these policies and recommend regulatory revisions to ensure the transition is effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
The Central Bank of Armenia recently partnered with J-PAL Europe to jointly design and execute a policy design and evaluation workshop. The workshop convened policymakers, central bankers, and analysts from diverse sectors, centering on the integration of evidence throughout the policy cycle, from problem definition to intervention design and conducting thorough evaluations. It’s merely the beginning, but it already showcases how the concepts, tools, and principles I absorbed at MIT are beginning to take institutional shape back home.
Our ultimate aim is to embed policy evaluation as a standard procedure — not as an infrequent activity, but as an integral aspect of governance. We are striving to foster a stronger feedback culture in policymaking, one that prioritizes learning prior to scaling. Increased experimentation, piloting, and iteration are essential before committing to large-scale public program implementations. This transformation demands patience and tenacity, yet it is vital if we seek policies that are not only well-crafted but also effective, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
Looking forward, I remain devoted to promoting this transformation by establishing the systems, skills, and collaborations that can underpin evidence-based policymaking in Armenia over the long haul.
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