Embedding for Impact: The Power of In-House Behavioral Design Teams in Public Service

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

Behavioral science has increasingly recognized the importance of translating research into real-world impact. Traditionally, this involves external consultants or academic researchers developing interventions and then handing them off to implementing organizations. However, there is growing evidence that embedding behavioral design teams directly within organizations can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes. This roundtable will argue that we have an opportunity to have even greater impact by leveraging a whole-of-institution approach that lets us intervene in deeper and more impactful ways, as a complement to or in place of smaller demonstration projects (“nudges”). Speakers will explore the benefits and challenges of this embedded approach, drawing on practical experiences and empirical evidence.

We propose an engaging discussion that features innovative work in embedding behavioral design teams within partner organizations across the country and across fields. This approach is unique in that it durably enhances our partners' behavioral science and design capabilities. With one-off engagements, designers are in and out; with an embedded model, we help build capacity that persists once the engagement is done, reinforcing these skills over time.

Our roundtable will showcase 3 key examples:

- ideas42’s NYC Behavioral Design Team: Brittany Muscato, who leads the BDT at ideas42, will present on the team's methodology and impact working within local governments over the past 10 years. She’ll be joined by Sola Amusan, the Assistant Director of Program and Performance at the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity. They will delve into the process of integrating behavioral insights into the day-to-day operations of city policymaking and program teams, highlighting the importance of building internal capacity and fostering a culture of experimentation.

- Calbright College: Represented by Marisa Bold, VP of Sustainable Growth and District Development at Calbright, we will also feature the work of Calbright College, a pioneering online community college in California. Behavioral scientists have been deeply embedded within Calbright, collaborating closely with faculty and staff to use data and behavioral science strategies to develop new and responsive approaches to support student outcomes. This case study will illustrate the power of embedded behavioral science in addressing complex educational challenges, demonstrating how a collaborative approach can lead to significant improvements in student engagement, persistence, and beyond.

- Philadelphia Behavioral Science Initiative: Swarthmore professor Syon Bhanot cofounded in 2016 the Philadelphia Behavioral Science Initiative, one of the country’s first sustained, direct collaborations between city policymakers and local academics. The initiative has launched more than a dozen projects to address the needs of Philadelphia’s residents. These include increasing recycling and reducing litter, expanding the use of our bike-share program, helping homeowners sort out tangled titles, and improving sales compliance among tobacco retailers. Prof. Bhanot also co-edited the book Behavioral Public Policy in a Global Context, which features chapters from contributors (including ideas42, the IRS, BCG, and the various governments around the world) who describe their experiences embedding behavioral science in their organizations.

The panel will be moderated by Cassie Taylor, who leads ideas42’s education work.

Policy Area

• Public and Nonprofit Management and Finance

Secondary Policy Area

• Poverty and Income Policy

Moderator

• Cassie Taylor, ideas42

Organizer

• Cheston McGuire, Level Up PR

Speakers

• Marisa Bold, Calbright College

• Syon Pandya Bhanot, Swarthmore College

• Sola Amusan, NYC Mayor's Office for Economic opportunity

• Brittany Muscato, ideas42