Global Certificate Course in Behavioral Economics for Public Policy
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and public policy. She's here to tell us about an exciting new course she's teaching, the Global Certificate Course in Behavioral Economics for Public Policy. Dr. Smith, can you give us a quick overview of what this course is all about? GUEST: Absolutely! This course is designed to help policymakers and analysts understand cognitive biases and how they impact policy effectiveness. We'll explore evidence-based intervention designs, nudges, framing effects, loss aversion, and more. HOST: That sounds fascinating! Can you share a personal experience where understanding behavioral economics transformed your approach to public policy? GUEST: Certainly. I once worked on a project aimed at encouraging people to save more for retirement. By applying behavioral insights, we reframed the messaging to focus on the potential benefits of saving rather than the risks of not saving, which led to a significant increase in participation rates. HOST: Wow, that's impressive. Now, what are some current trends in behavioral economics that are particularly relevant to public policy? GUEST: One trend is the growing interest in using digital technologies to deliver behaviorally informed interventions at scale. This opens up new possibilities for policymakers to reach and engage with larger audiences in more personalized and cost-effective ways. HOST: And what challenges do you see in teaching or learning this subject matter? GUEST: The main challenge is that behavioral economics is a multidisciplinary field, which can make it challenging for students to grasp all the concepts at once. However, we've designed the course to be accessible and engaging, even for those without prior knowledge of the subject. HOST: That's great to hear. Looking forward, where do you see the future of behavioral economics in public policy? GUEST: I believe behavioral economics will become an essential tool for policymakers as they strive to create more effective and impactful public policies. By understanding the underlying cognitive processes that drive human decision-making, policymakers can design interventions that better align with people's real-world behaviors. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and telling us about the Global Certificate Course in Behavioral Economics for Public Policy. I'm sure our listeners will find this information as engaging and valuable as I have. To learn more and enroll, visit [website or course link]. Thanks again, and see you next time on our podcast!
