Effective public policy often relies on citizens acting differently, yet changing behaviours remains a significant challenge. This latest piece in our Innovations in Public Policy series, by Felicity Algate (Economics Director at Ofcom) and Liz Richardson (Professor of Public Administration at The University of Manchester), explores how behavioural public policy (BPP) is evolving beyond ‘nudge’ approaches to offer more substantial and ethically robust tools for addressing complex societal issues.
Drawing on policy and academic research, the authors chart the development of BPP from its initial focus on small-scale interventions to a broader, more strategic role in policymaking. From reworded reminder letters to systemic reforms such as the UK’s auto-enrolment pension scheme, the paper illustrates how behavioural insights are shaping public policy outcomes.
As BPP gains traction, this piece assesses its potential to support policy delivery. The authors argue that BPP must confront longer-term challenges, incorporate stronger ethical frameworks and empower citizens with greater control.
Behavioural public policy [PDF 0.3MB]
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