The document discusses the societal impact and cost-benefit analysis of heritage science. It notes the importance of bringing data to inform decisions rather than just relying on narratives. When comparing costs and benefits, only government considers any benefit, however small, to be worth any cost, however large; most people and businesses weigh benefits against costs. The value of coordination, efficiency, quality, and harmonization in heritage science is discussed. Recommendations include planning with ambition but assessing with caution, bringing quantitative data when possible, and assessing and managing risks.

1. The societal impact and cost benefit
analysis in heritage science
Silvia Vignetti
Director
CSIL - Centre for Industrial Studies

2. © CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies
«In God we trust,
all others bring data»
Edwards Deming
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«Not everything that can be counted counts
and not everything that counts
can be counted»
Albert Einstein
Data and narratives
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«Weighing benefits against costs is the way most people make
decisions — and the way most businesses make decisions, if
they want to stay in business.
Only in government is any benefit, however small, considered to
be worth any cost, however large.»
Thomas Sowell
Comparing costs and benefits
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5. © CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies
Attribution
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The value of coordination and efficiency in HS
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 One-stop-shop
 Quality and harmonisation

7. © CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies
Long-term forecasts
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1. Plan with ambition, assess with caution
2. Bring data, possibly quantitative
3. Assess and manage risks
Recommendations
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9. Silvia Vignetti
vignetti@csilmilano.com
Thank you for your attention
CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies
Corso Monforte 15, 20122 Milano, Italy
tel.+39 02 796630 fax +39 02 780703
csil@csilmilano.com www.csilmilano.com