The “nudge” revolution transformed how governments approach policymaking, influencing everything from public health and taxation to climate action and consumer behaviour. Yet debates continue over whether nudges are effective, ethical, and sufficiently respectful of citizens’ autonomy.
In this talk, Dr. Sanchayan Banerjee will introduce the concept of “nudge+” — a new approach that moves beyond simply steering behaviour. Rather than telling people what to do, nudge+ encourages citizens to reflect, deliberate, and decide for themselves whether behavioural interventions align with their own values and goals. The approach also challenges policy-makers to think more carefully before applying behavioural insights, captured in the book’s central mantra: Think, before you nudge.
The discussion will explore how behavioural science can support more reflective, participatory, and democratic forms of policymaking, particularly in addressing complex collective challenges such as climate change. The event will be of interest to researchers, students, policy professionals, behavioural scientists, and anyone interested in the relationship between citizens and the state.
Nudge+ has been described by John A. List as innovation that "changes how we think about nudge” while Michael Hallsworth calls it “essential reading to understand the next generation of behavioural science.”
The book is out for pre-orders: https://www.amazon.com/Nudge-Think-Before-You/dp/3032132606 in case you want to grab your copy to be signed by the author.
The book presentation is followed by ASI’s summer drinks to celebrate the end of the academic year. We invite all ASI members to join us outside of the StartHub for some refreshments and snacks to collectively close the academic year.
