Professional Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Public Sector Leaders
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and the lead instructor for the Professional Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Public Sector Leaders. Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us. GUEST: Thanks for having me, I'm excited to be here! HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your personal experiences and insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Absolutely! I've spent over a decade working in public policy, and I've seen firsthand how understanding cognitive biases and applying behavioral insights can significantly improve policy design and implementation. HOST: That's fascinating. What current industry trends are most relevant to this professional certificate program? GUEST: There's growing interest in using nudges and choice architecture to promote positive behaviors and decision-making. Also, the integration of behavioral science in public service is becoming more mainstream, leading to better outcomes for citizens. HOST: Speaking of nudges, could you give us an example of how they can be applied in the public sector? GUEST: Sure! A great example is encouraging tax compliance by pre-filling tax forms for individuals. This nudge simplifies the process, making it more likely for people to file their taxes on time. HOST: That's an interesting application of nudges! Now, what challenges have you faced while teaching this subject, and how do you address them? GUEST: One challenge is breaking down the complexities of behavioral economics for public sector professionals with diverse backgrounds. We use real-world examples and case studies to help learners grasp the concepts and see their relevance to their work. HOST: Looking toward the future, where do you see the field of behavioral economics in the public sector heading? GUEST: I believe behavioral economics will become a core competency for public sector leaders, driving evidence-based policy decisions and creating better outcomes for citizens. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Your Professional Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Public Sector Leaders sounds both engaging and informative. We hope our listeners will consider enrolling to boost their impact and transform their approach to public service. GUEST: Thank you for having me! It's been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.
