Behavioural Insights Projects

In early 2022, various kinds of text messages were sent to over 100,000 residents of Brabant-Zuidoost who had not yet received a booster jab from the GGD. The results show that the most effective variant − in the 6 days after receiving the text message − led to a 3.2% increase in the number of vaccinations administered. This was the text message saying 'Jouw boosterprik ligt voor je klaar' (You can now book your booster vaccination) plus a randomly allocated date, time and location. Why…

Institution: Netherlands Public Health Service

In partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU) has launched a multi-year program of research on climate change. The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA Canada) combines behavioural science (BeSci) insights and methods with robust policy analysis to promote climate action. One of the main areas of focus involves the launch of a longitudinal survey that will, over time, collect…

Institution: Privy Council Office

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA Canada) combines behavioural science (BeSci) insights and methods with robust policy analysis to promote climate action. One of the main areas of focus involves collect data over time on research questions of interest to the promotion of climate action in Canada (e.g. transportation, home energy use, waste management, engagement with nature, preparedness for extreme weather, disaster recovery, etc.) using a large and nationally…

Institution: Impact and Innovation Hub (IIU)- Impact Canada

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

PROJECT SUMMARY To increase uptake of flu vaccines and maintain a healthy workforce during the 2016-17 flu season, New York City’s Behavioral Design Team (NYC BDT) partnered with WorkWell NYC to design behaviorally informed emails to encourage New York City employees to visit a worksite flu clinic. One version of the redesigned email used the strategy of “enhanced active choice,” whereby employees were prompted to make a choice that had a clear right answer. IMPACT Behavioral emails more…

Institution: NYC Mayorship

Team: The NYC Behavioral Design Team - ideas42

In line with the Government of Canada's National Adaptation Strategy, this project seeks to further understanding of Canadians’ awareness and adoption of measures intended to mitigate wildfire risk toward the end of supporting and empowering more widespread action. The study is a survey with an embedded randomized controlled trial component. The survey component of the study aims to address questions such as: 1. What are the barriers to more widespread adoption of wildland fire risk reduction…

Institution: Impact and Innovation Hub (IIU)- Impact Canada

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

The study investigates minimum requirements and options for standardisation of energy offers and bills that ensure increased clarity and comparability, and puts forward better alternative “bill designs”. The study also examines the main factors discouraging energy consumers from switching, with a focus on the impact of exit fees in this decision. Finally, price comparison tools (PCTs) in the energy sector are examined and (independent) verification schemes for such tools are identified.

Institution: European Commission

Team: JRC Competence Centre on Behavioural Insights

Waste management has become an issue of national concern in Bhutan; recovery and recycling are minimal, whilst landfills are overflowing. To address waste management issues, the Royal Government of Bhutan took up waste management as a flagship program under the 12th Five Year Plan which is being implemented by the National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS), Royal Government of Bhutan. In support of the program, NECS, Thimphu Thromde (municipality) and the Gross National Happiness…

Institution: Behavioural Insights Team (BIT)

Team: Behavioural Insights Team (BIT)

To support building the pipeline of skilled workers in Ontario, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) introduced the Skilled Trades Strategy (STS) in 2020 which aims to modernize the skilled trades and apprenticeship system by breaking the stigma and attracting more young people to the skilled trades, simplifying the system, and encouraging employer participation. In collaboration with MLITSD, the Ontario Behavioural Insights Unit (BIU) plans to run a…

Institution: Ontario Public Service (OPS)

Team: Behavioural Insights Unit

The Government of Canada wants to support the transition from home heating based on fossil fuels (e.g., natural gas) to electric heat pumps. Here, we wanted to test different ways of framing the advantages of heat pumps and assess the benefit of providing a step-by-step guide to getting a heat pump.

Institution: Impact and Innovation Hub (IIU)- Impact Canada

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

Every year, governments spend large amounts of resources on development programs that aim to change poor households’ behaviors and attitudes toward investment in the education, health, and nutrition of their children as a way to end the cycle of poverty. One key mechanism that can achieve this is working to raise aspirations. But how do you do that in practice? In this project, together with Karen Macours of the Paris School of Economics and the Ministry of Family in Nicaragua, we find that…

Institution: World Bank

Team: eMBeD, Mind Behaviour and Development team