The National Analytical Center (NAC), Nazarbayev University-based policy think tank, has launched a series of events, aimed at advancing the application of behavioral science in public administration across Kazakhstan, DKnews.kz reports.
The last event in the series is dedicated to an executive training which has gathered around 40 senior government officials and NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad welcomes the participants:
“Nazarbayev University is making a sustained and substantial contribution to the creation of knowledge, to the development of talented leaders in the public sector, business and international community, and to transformational change in society and the economy. We are pleased to see behavioral science becoming part of this effort to advance evidence-based policy in Kazakhstan”
Opening the program, Rassul Rysmambetov, Chairman of the NAC Management Board, has announced the establishment of a new Center for Public Administration and Behavioral Policy within the NAC, in partnership with the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT), a UK-based global social purpose organization:
“Behavioral policy is about aligning public policy with how people naturally perceive, decide, and act. Our new Center aims to support Kazakhstani ministries in designing human-centered, evidence-based solutions that enhance impact and trust in government”
Dr. Saltanat Janenova, a leading expert in public policy, notes that the Kazakhstani government has used behavioral tools in a number of areas. She points to the free health screening initiative and the e-Gov platform feature that allows citizens to opt out of access to loans and microcredits, both of which serve as examples of behavioral nudges. She also highlights the use of visual messaging in anti-corruption campaigns, such as posters and public appeals, as further evidence of behavioral principles being used in practice. She concludes by underlining the need for a national approach:
“There is a growing appetite for behavioral nudges. What we need now is an institutional framework and locally adapted methodologies, ones that are rooted in our culture, social norms, and collective mindset”
Behavioral public policy is a growing, multidisciplinary field that draws from behavioral economics, cognitive psychology, sociology, and public health, among other disciplines. It seeks to “nudge” citizens toward socially beneficial choices, such as undergoing regular medical check-ups, paying taxes on time, or conserving water and electricity, while preserving individual freedom of choice.
Between 9 and 11 June 2025, a series of three events have been held to advance behavioral science in public policy, including specialized training for NAC staff, a guest lecture at NU promoting collaboration with researchers, and culminating in an executive training for senior government officials 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’s Office, pioneered the global “nudge” movement. Today, it operates as an independent research and innovation organization with international reach, having inspired the creation of over 600 behavioral policy units worldwide.
