Research results

The main objective of the "Study on Economic Assessment for Improving e-Accessibility Services and Products" is to draw up a report which systematise the relevant information obtained on costs and benefits of eAccessibility among stakeholders. Therefore, in addition to achieving a pool of evidence on such costs and benefits, identifying the key aspects in eAccessibility, designing the causal loop diagram, developing a Business Case Tool and stating recommendations, this Consortium shall raise awareness of the Study´s main outcomes and disseminate it to key stakeholders.

Casual Loop Diagram

The Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) has been developed adapting to this context the methods and technique of System Dynamics (SD). SD, rooted in the broader system theory, is a methodology (possibly supported by computer simulation modelling techniques) to frame, and understand the nonlinear relations characterising complex systems. Originally developed as a management technique, today it is widely used also for policy analysis, design and evaluation.

The CLD identifies the causal links between the various variables, as well as the unintended effects signalling the possible presence of a counteracting loop, and also indicates where a lag time between the cause and the effect should be expected, linking a cause to an effect and assigning to such relation a value. There is a feedback loop between this theory of causality and the empirical evidence supporting it through which theory and empirical evidence continuously feed each other.

Case Studies

Case studies enable a rich and in-depth description of data that, besides providing evidence, can enable the discovery of theories. Through these studies and using the triangulation principle, we will gather evidence and/or construct estimates on costs and benefits of eAccessibility and also look at the motivations and other reasons behind the decisions to invest (a lot or little) in eAccessibility.

Business case tool

The "Study on Economic Assessment for Improving e-Accessibility Services and Products" Consortium will develop a Business Case Tool, an instrument for ex ante evaluation supporting the decision to invest in eAccessibility, containing several quantitative and qualitative indicators.