Behavioural Insights Projects

SIMPLESMENTE is an acronym formed by the initials of 12 mechanisms studied by the behavioral sciences. SIMPLESMENTE is an application to simplify and support the use of behavioral sciences in public policy designs. Based on a guided script, users define a problem of interest in public policies and are encouraged to assume the user's perspective. They are invited to apply a series of references, based on evidence and international practice, to improve their understanding of the situation and…

Institution: National School of Public Administration - ENAP

Team: The Innovation Lab

The project involves a consultancy to diagnose and strengthen the behavioral incentive strategies of the Periodic Economic Benefits (BEPS) program by COLPENSIONES. Key Components: - Behavioral Diagnosis: Identify cognitive, social, and structural barriers limiting participation and savings in BEPS. - Analysis of Current Strategies: Evaluate the effectiveness of existing behavioral incentives, such as nudges, rewards, and simplification mechanisms. - Design of Recommendations: Propose…

Institution: Instintivo

Team: Instintivo

'Returning to employment? Don't forget about your benefits!' When individuals receiving benefits return to employment having been registered as unemployed, it is important that they report the change in their income to the Benefits Unit on time, to avoid repayment demands. Why do individuals not comply with this notification requirement? And what interventions could improve compliance? A revised letter from the UWV Employee Insurance Agency and an additional page on the Benefits Unit website…

Institution: Netherlands Employee Insurance Agency (UWV)

The 'Doe meer met taal' (Get more out of language) campaign was launched to reach out to individuals with limited literacy skills whose mother tongue is Dutch. At its conclusion, people in the target group said they felt more motivated to improve their language skills. They are also more inclined to take proactive steps, for example by engaging in language-related activities at home. 66,000 people visited the campaign website. Why this experiment was conducted: everyone should be equipped with…

Institution: Netherlands Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and Ministry of Education, Culture and Science

Five large cities in Noord-Brabant and the provincial authorities investigated how to improve cycling safety through behavioural interventions. They placed signs and markings along cycle routes in 's-Hertogenbosch, Breda, Eindhoven, Helmond and Tilburg. Half of the interventions had an effect; the number of dangerous situations decreased. Why this experiment was conducted: redesigning road layouts is not always possible Six locations in towns and cities in Noord-Brabant were identified as…

Institution: Noord-Brabant

We seek to increase voluntary appearances for people with outstanding Warrants to Arrest (WTA) through reminder phone calls from Māori Wardens and Police. This Auckland-based project follows a proof-of-concept trial in the Eastern District, in which Māori Wardens made phone calls to people with outstanding WTAs and we compared voluntary appearance rates for those who were reached via phone to those who were not. While this trial in the Eastern District showed indicative evidence that phone…

Institution: Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections)

Team: Behavioural Science Aotearoa

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 data 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,…

Institution: Privy Council Office

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

How can response rates to questionnaires be increased? In the first quarter of 2023, some of the participants in a CBS survey received a letter in which the call-to-action appeared as far as possible at the top of the letter. The other participants received standard letters. The analyses showed that the standard letters produced a significantly higher response rate than the letters in which the call-to-action was placed at the top. Why this experiment was conducted: high response rate is…

Institution: Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

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 data 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,…

Institution: Privy Council Office

Team: Impact and Innovation Unit (IIU)

Are there ways to limit the accrual of excessive loan amounts by students? A letter sent to students with student loans who have received a supplementary grant increases the likelihood of them reducing their loan amounts. This increased likelihood translates to an annual average decrease of over € 150 in loan amounts for students receiving both a supplementary grant and a loan. Why this experiment was conducted: award of supplementary grant sometimes has little or no impact on loan…

Institution: Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science