Behavioural Public Policy in Central and Eastern Europe

“This volume offers a refreshing departure from the Western-centric focus of behavioural public policy research and debate. By grounding the narrative in the institutional realities of Central and Eastern Europe, the authors relate behavioural theories to people living and operating in post-transition societies.”

--Maros Servatka, Professor, Macquarie Business School, Australia and Bratislava University of Economics and Business, Slovakia.

“This timely book bridges the gap between behavioural theory and real-world application, specifically tailored to Central and Eastern Europe. From designing smarter choice architecture in healthcare and boosting property tax collection to understanding the housing and transport trade-offs young adults face, this volume serves as a practical toolkit.”

--Jiří Špalek, Professor, Masaryk University, Czechia.

This book examines the use of behavioural economics to address policy issues in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Drawing on case studies from different countries across the region and policy areas – including housing, transportation, and healthcare – the book assesses how insights from behavioural economics have been utilised in the public sector to inform public policy. In doing so, it throws important light on the unique challenges for policy design, implementation and service delivery in Central and Eastern Europe, especially with regard to migration, urbanisation, ageing populations, and regional inequalities. By focusing on an underexplored region, it also extends and challenges existing knowledge on behavioural public policy more generally.

At a time when Europe is undergoing significant demographic and social change, this timely book will appeal to scholars and students of public policy, public administration and economics. 

Mária Murray Svidroňová  is Associate Professor in the Department of Public Economics and Regional Development, Matej Bel University, Slovakia. 

Nikoleta Jakuš Muthová is Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Economics and Regional Development, Matej Bel University, Slovakia.