Professional Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Public Sector Leaders
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith with us. She's an expert in behavioral economics and the lead instructor for a new course, "Professional Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Public Sector Leaders". Dr. Smith, can you tell us more about this program? GUEST: Absolutely, this professional certificate program is designed to help public sector professionals understand cognitive biases and how they influence policy choices. We also cover decision-making, risk perception, and social norms in a public policy context. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How did you get into this field, and what's your favorite part about teaching behavioral economics? GUEST: I've always been interested in psychology and economics, and behavioral economics is the perfect intersection of these two fields. My favorite part of teaching is seeing students apply behavioral science concepts to solve real-world challenges. HOST: Speaking of real-world challenges, what are some of the biggest issues public sector leaders face when it comes to implementing behavioral economics in their work? GUEST: One challenge is overcoming the perception that behavioral economics is about manipulating people's choices. In reality, it's about understanding how people make decisions and designing policies that nudge them towards better outcomes. HOST: That's a great point. Can you share an example of a successful behavioral economics intervention in the public sector? GUEST: Sure, one example is the "Save More Tomorrow" program, which helps people save for retirement by automatically increasing their savings rate over time. This program has been incredibly successful in increasing savings rates and improving financial security for millions of workers. HOST: That's a powerful example. Finally, where do you see the future of behavioral economics in the public sector? What trends are you excited about? GUEST: I'm excited about the growing interest in using behavioral insights to design policies that are more effective, equitable, and user-friendly. I also see a lot of potential in using technology to deliver behavioral interventions at scale, such as through digital platforms and mobile apps. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on behavioral economics for public sector leaders. It's been a pleasure having you on the show. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure sharing my thoughts on this important topic.
