FERDI's work initially focused on the construction of a unidimensional indicator of public expenditure efficiency .Subsequently, different methods were used to assess the efficiency of public spending. Finally, the work estimated the effects of some factors on this efficiency by focusing particularly on the debt effect.
One of the conclusions of the study is that the way public spending is financed influences its efficiency: financing through the mobilization of domestic tax revenues should be given priority over debt.
FERDI has been mandated by the French government (Direction générale de la mondialisation (DGM) and Direction générale du Trésor) to support and structure the strategic thinking about the mobilization of public domestic revenue (MRIP).