Making Government Decisions Work for People: New Behavioral Policy Center at NU
The National Analytical Center (NAC), Nazarbayev University-based policythink tank, has launched a series of events
The National Analytical Center (NAC), Nazarbayev University based policythink tank, has launched a series of events, aimed at advancing theapplication of behavioral science in public administration across Kazakhstan.
The last event in the series is dedicated to an executive training which hasgathered around 40 senior government officials and NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad welcomes the participants:
“Nazarbayev University is making a sustained and substantial contributionto the creation of knowledge, to the development of talented leaders in thepublic sector, business and international community, and totransformational change in society and the economy. We are pleased tosee behavioral science becoming part of this effort to advance evidence-based policy in Kazakhstan”.
Opening the program, Rassul Rysmambetov, Chairman of theNAC Management Board, has announced the establishment of a newCenter for Public Administration and Behavioral Policy within the NAC, inpartnership with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT), a UK-basedglobal social purpose organization.
“Behavioral policy is about aligning public policy with how people naturallyperceive, decide, and act. Our new Center aims to support Kazakhstaniministries in designing human-centered, evidence-based solutions thatenhance impact and trust in government”.
Speakers and training providers from the BIT have included SebastianSalomon-Ballada, Principal Advisor, and Adelaida Barrera Daza, Senior Advisor, both from the International Programmes team, who haveled several sessions. One of these sessions has focused on case studiesdemonstrating the real-world impact of behaviourally informedpolicymaking.
Experts have noted that the Kazakhstan government has used behavioraltools in a number of areas: the free health screening initiative and the e-Gov platform feature that allows citizens to opt out of access to loans andmicrocredits, both of which serve as examples of behavioral nudges. Also, the use of visual messaging in anti-corruption campaigns, such as postersand public appeals, as further evidence of behavioral principles being usedin practice.
Dr. Saltanat Janenova, a leading expert in public policy concludes byunderlining the need for a national approach:
“There is a growing appetite for behavioral nudges. What we need now isan institutional framework and locally adapted methodologies, ones thatare rooted in our culture, social norms, and collective mindset”.
Behavioral public policy is a growing, multidisciplinary field that draws frombehavioral economics, cognitive psychology, sociology, and public health, among other disciplines. It seeks to “nudge” citizens toward sociallybeneficial choices, such as undergoing regular medical check-ups, payingtaxes on time, or conserving water and electricity, while preservingindividual freedom of choice.
Between 9 and 11 June 2025, a series of three events have been held toadvance behavioral science in public policy, including specialized trainingfor NAC staff, a guest lecture at NU promoting collaboration withresearchers, and culminating in an executive training for senior governmentofficials to explore behavioral policymaking.
The series are organized in collaboration with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT). The BIT, originally established in 2010 within the UK Prime Minister’sOffice, pioneered the global “nudge” movement. Today, it operates as anindependent research and innovation organization with international reach, having inspired the creation of over 600 behavioral policy units worldwide.
Source of information: Making Government Decisions Work for People: New Behavioral Policy Center at NU