Expert insights into advancing behavioural science in public policy: an interview study

Abstract

Despite the growing application of behavioural science in public policy, progress in many countries has been slow. This study explores the challenges in applying behavioural insights (BI) to policymaking and identifies potential solutions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 behavioural science experts who have worked with national governments or international bodies across 39 countries. Using inductive content analysis, we discovered three main challenges perceived by the experts: limited knowledge and misunderstandings of BI among stakeholders, constraints within the public policy environment, and resource limitations in both BI units and public administrations. The experts also highlighted strategies to build capacity within the public sector, including creating peer networks, partnering with external experts, organising targeted training programmes, and providing supportive tools and resources. We interpret these findings through the lens of navigating complex adaptive systems, distinguishing between ordered problems-amenable to transferable solutions-and genuinely complex problems requiring participatory approaches and contextual adaptation. Advancing contextual understanding of behavioural science in policy may require distinguishing challenges that permit efficient solutions from those demanding slower, relationship-based sense-making.