J-PAL Europe is collaborating with the Government of Spain to strengthen social inclusion and improve labour market access through evidence-based policy design. This partnership operates through Spain’s Inclusion Policy Lab, an initiative led by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, which evaluates programs aimed at enhancing the country’s minimum income scheme and supporting disadvantaged populations.
The Inclusion Policy Lab has funded 32 randomized evaluations focused on improving economic and social opportunities for vulnerable groups. These initiatives combine cash transfers with additional support services such as training, guidance, and social assistance. The goal is to determine whether pairing financial aid with targeted interventions can help individuals achieve better long-term outcomes, including improved well-being and employment prospects.
A recent report analyzing 18 of these evaluations highlights several key findings across different types of programs, including comprehensive social support, digital skills training, adult education, and targeted interventions for specific groups. Comprehensive programs were found to improve housing conditions, education outcomes for children, and community participation, though they did not always lead to increased employment.
Digital skills training programs showed promising results in enhancing participants’ ability to use technology for job searching and accessing services. When combined with job search support, these programs increased participants’ chances of finding employment and also contributed to higher levels of confidence and life satisfaction.
Vocational training programs improved job search behaviors, motivation, and attitudes among participants, but these improvements did not consistently translate into better employment outcomes. In contrast, personalized and intensive labour market programs—especially those targeting groups such as people experiencing homelessness or individuals with disabilities—were more effective in increasing employment opportunities, working hours, and social inclusion.
Despite these insights, researchers noted challenges in measuring long-term impacts due to limited timelines under Next Generation EU funding. The findings emphasize the importance of continued research, better data collection, and stronger collaboration between policymakers and researchers to design more effective social inclusion strategies.
Overall, the initiative demonstrates how combining financial support with tailored services and rigorous evaluation can help governments create more inclusive and responsive labour markets, while also highlighting areas where further improvements and long-term analysis are needed.
