摘要：This paper critically examines initial applications of Behavioural Economics (BE) topolicymaking. It focuses primarily but not exclusively on what can be learnt from the earlyadopters of policies inspired by BE, notably America and Britain. BE is defined by its inductivescientific approach to economics, which can produce empirical demonstrations that are persuasiveto policymakers facing practical problems. The analysis identifies three routes via which BE hasinfluenced policy: (1) the theory of libertarian paternalism ("nudges"), (2) the provision of toolkitsfor policymakers seeking behavioural change, and (3) the expansion of the skill-set of appliedeconomists (and scientists in related disciplines). The effectiveness of each route is assessed, interms of the likelihood of successfully integrating scientific advances with policy development.The analysis concludes that (3) is the only route that can adapt to the ongoing and rapid evolutionof what is a young science. Successful policy development is more likely where there is expertinput and the capacity to engage in applied experimentation, piloting and evaluation. Theimplication is that countries, including Ireland, are more likely to reap the benefits of BE if theycreate an active and effective interface between applied economists and policymakers
