Behavioural science activities

Behavioural science activities are based on a multidisciplinary approach to changing human behaviour and decision-making. Behavioural science expertise is developed in central government by offering training to public officials, producing research reports and implementing projects in various policy areas.

• General information about behavioural governance in Finland

Behavioural science is used to study how citizens think, experience things and act. Behavioural innovations have influenced the development of administration in many policy areas and brought new ways to support people’s wellbeing and improve daily lives.

Behavioural science can be used to solve challenging social problems through good administration. A deeper understanding of citizens’ behaviour and the consultation of citizens in processes such as law drafting can also help us create more inclusive and equitable social structures and institutions.

FINBEPOL activities

The aim of the Finnish Behavioural Policy Team (FINBEPOL) at the Prime Minister’s Office is to promote and support a people-oriented, knowledge-based policy and administration that pays attention to the specific characteristics of behaviour and decision-making. The activities are based on identifying the limitations of knowledge, as well as expectations about human behaviour based on assumptions.

The behavioural policy activities began as part of the Behavioural Advisory project, which was set up in October 2020 in response to needs brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. The positive reception and the estimated benefits of the project led to a follow-up project and the broader establishment of the approach in public administration. Nowadays, the activities include projects in around ten different policy areas.

FINBEPOL conducts experimental research in collaboration with research organisations and the scientific community. The team serves as an intermediary between researchers and public officials, and maintains networks. Research often starts from the need to better understand behaviour observed in a policy area and uses methods such as surveys and citizen interviews.