President Obama's Behavioural Insights Executive Order

A few weeks ago, President Obama issued an unusual Executive Order (a presidential instruction that effectively bypasses the minefield of getting legislation through Congress). The Executive Order demanded that federal agencies (effectively like a government department) MUST use behavioural science insights when designing their policies. Upon signing the Order, President Obama said:

“Adopting the insights of behavioral science will help bring our government into the 21st century in a wide range of ways - from delivering services more efficiently and effectively; to accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy; to helping workers find better jobs, gain access to educational opportunity, and lead longer, healthier lives."