Simen Pedersen is a partner at Menon Economics. A versatile and creative economist with over 18 years of experience, he has a broad methodological and thematic expertise. Simen has led numerous socio-economic analyses, valuation studies, evaluations (including longitudinal and impact studies), and sector assessments across a wide range of issues. He has extensive experience in conducting and developing methodologies for socio-economic analyses, with deep insight into government oversight of municipal services, organization, planning, and finance. There are very few areas of municipal services in which he does not have experience. His work on the "State of Norwegian Municipalities" report, commissioned by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (KDD) and the Generalist Municipality Committee, is a concrete example of his comprehensive expertise on the municipal sector in Norway. Currently, Simen leads the ongoing evaluation of the child welfare reform and is responsible for Menon's welfare sector initiatives. He has extensive experience delivering projects for both public and nonprofit sectors. Recently, he has been responsible for several socio-economic assessments of welfare initiatives, including foster care, aftercare services, and the Norwegian Childhood Cancer Society’s family house (TV Campaign 2024). Simen is dedicated to ensuring that final reports are relevant and provide real value. He achieves this through close collaboration with clients when necessary. Known for his passion for finding practical solutions to pressing social challenges, he is also a compelling speaker who delivers engaging presentations.