“Behavioural insights”, or insights derived from the behavioural and social sciences,
including decision making, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, organisational
and group behaviour, are being applied by governments with the aim of making public
policies work better. As their use has become more widespread, however, questions
are being raised about their effectiveness as well as their philosophical underpinnings.
This report discusses the use and reach of behavioural insights, drawing on a comprehensive
collection of over 100 applications across the world and policy sectors, including
consumer protection, education, energy, environment, finance, health and safety, labour
market policies, public service delivery, taxes and telecommunications. It suggests
ways to ensure that this experimental approach can be successfully and sustainably
used as a public policy tool.
Interested in reading over 100 case studies showing the application of behavioural insights to public policy around the world?
The OECD publication Behavioural Insights and Public Policy: Lessons from Around the Worldpresents the results of a first-of-its-kind survey of behavioural insights units around the world.
How is behavioural insights being applied to public policy?
Collect all 4 posters/postcards (click photo to download)
I. Smart policies: Brought to you by BI
II. Costa Rica: Reducing Water Consumption
III. South Africa: Keeping Youth Safe
IV. United Kingdom: Fighting Antibiotic Resistance
Below you can find a video explaining the key findings of the report, as well as reactions and messages from partners and practitioners from across the world.
OECD
Australia
Hilary Viney Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Canada
Andre Patry Canada Revenue Agency
Dilip Soman Behavioural Economics in Action at RotmanUniversity of Toronto
Colombia
Juan Manuel Wilches Duran Commission for Communications Regulation
Costa Rica
Francisco Alpizar EfD Central America, Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE)
Denmark
Pelle Hansen The European Nudge Network (TEN)
European Commission
Joana Sousa Lourenco European Commission Joint Research Centre, Foresight and Behavioural Insights Unit
France
Mariam Chammat and Stephan Giraud Le secrétariat général pour la modernisation de l’action publique (SGMAP)
Ireland
Pete Lunn The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
Italy
Alberto Biancardi The Italian Regulatory Authority for Electricity Gas and Water (AEEGSI)
Nadia Linciano The Regulatory Authority for Financial Markets (Consob)
Qatar
Fadi Makki Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Singapore
Kok Ping Soon Ministry of Manpower
South Africa
Ammaarah Kamish Western Cape Government
United Kingdom
David Halpern The Behavioural Insights Team
Jonathan Porter Ofcom
Martin Lodge London School of Economics and Public Policy, Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation
United States
Iris Bohnet Harvard Kennedy School Centre for Public Leadership, Behavioural Insights Group (BIG)
Katy Davis ideas42
United Nations
Malika Bhandarkar and Benjamin Kumpf United Nations Development Programme
Sara Castro de Hallgren United Nations Environment Programme