Traditional policy interventions are usually based on what people consciously think about and behavior that can be shaped by providing information or altering incentives. It is assumed that individuals will analyze the information and incentives presented to them and act in their best interest. Behavior economics suggests that policymakers can shape behavior by focusing on the individual's automatic processes of judgment and influence.
On February 9th, the Academy, in partnership with the American University School of Public Affairs, hosted a forum on using behavioral economics in policymaking, featuring a panel of experts in the field. This panel featured:
- Seth Gershenson, Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs, American University
- Amira Choueiki Boland, Innovation Specialist, Social Behavior Sciences Team, White House
- Lars Tummers, Associate Professor in Public Management and Public Policy, Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Taryn Morrissey, Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs, American University