​​In 2022, the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) created a Chief Scientist position to provide statewide leadership and technical expertise to increase the generation and use of evidence for program and policy decision-making.

 The Chief Scientist builds capacity within the state to evaluate programs, improve performance, and achieve strategic goals using rigorous scientific methods. OSBM assists agencies in achieving operational excellence – including offering ongoing performance management training, developing strategic plans with priority questions (research agendas), conducting evidence reviews of state policies and programs, justifying budget requests with evidence, piloting innovations, planning evaluations, and facilitating research partnerships.

The state is a nationwide leader in internal audit requiring, by statute, all state agencies to have an internal audit function, including duties to “review the effectiveness and efficiency of agency and program operations and service delivery.” Additionally OSBM houses the  Central Internal Audit Office as well as an independent Council of Internal Audit.

Led by a Director of Research and Evaluation, NC Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Research and Promising Practices aims to serve public schools by providing the research and support necessary to make evidence-based decisions to combat learning loss from the pandemic and accelerate learning for all students.

The NC Department of Transportation Research & Development Office performs in-house research and collaborates with external partners to better connect communities and improve transportation safety and efficiency.

The Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) within the NC Department of Commerce collects data, conducts research and analysis and publishes reports about the state’s economy and labor market.