White paper by Social Action and Policy Lab, IIT Gandhinagar
Abstract
The Social Action and Policy Lab (SAP LAB), IIT Gandhinagar, a collaborative venture with UNICEF, presents a white paper that examines the evolution and application behavioural insights (BI) in India, with a particular emphasis on Gujarat's socioeconomic progress and challenges. Behavioural economics, behavioural science, and other related fields, serve as sources of inspiration for BI, which uses theories and empirical data to reliably alter human behaviour and influence interventions and public policy. Based on the seminal book "Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Thaler and Sunstein (2008), Behavioural Insights or BI gained international traction via the work of committed behavioural teams performing experiments throughout the globe. The paper delves into BI's meaning, theories, and its pivotal role in informed decision-making power through carefully carated ‘nudges’, and broader societal change through enhanced public policy. This study draws on a number of case studies from the Indian context, including the application of BI in the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP), and other relevant examples. This paper also illustrates UNICEF's perspective on BI in India. Ultimately, the paper adds to the conversation on efficient governance and social action by arguing for the use of BI to promote the idea of social good and social change in India and accelerate positive social impact.
Keywords: Behavioral Insights, Nudges, India, Gujarat, Social Change, Public Policy.
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