Sound public policy is based on evidence, and this unit will examine how to provide an empirical basis for policy decision-making. It will draw off contemporary research and practice in impact evaluation techniques, introducing fundamental econometric concepts as well. Additionally, it will cover the basics of randomization in policy, which has recently gained traction. The unit will close out with illustrations of various evaluation designs in sustainability as well as a big data approach to public policy.

Topics:

• Fundamentals of econometrics and statistics
• Introduction to impact evaluation
• Randomization and randomized control trials (RCTs) in development policy
• Role of big data in public policy and evaluation

Increasingly, policymakers around the world are attuned to the idea that incentives alone may not serve the larger goals of policy, especially in sustainability context. Extant evidence and insights from the fields of behavioural science, psychology, and behavioural economics now provide a basis for incorporating these ideas into mainstream public policy dealing with individual behaviour and sustainability. This unit will cover in detail the case for behavioural insights in public policy, and provide illustrations of various behavioural science applications in areas of gender, education, health, financial inclusion, among others.

Topics:

• Introduction to behavioural science
• Fundamentals of behavioural economics, with applications to public policy
• Experimental economics and design of policy experiments
• Illustrations in behaviour change and sustainable behaviours
• Critique of behavioural public policy