The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continues to advance its policy analysis and advocacy initiatives by conducting a benchmarking activity in the United Kingdom in December 2024. The visit aimed to study the UK's best practices in policy nudging and other innovative policy analysis and advocacy tools that can be applied in the Philippines' agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
The activity was a collaboration between DOST-PCAARRD and the Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory (DIPLab), one of DOST-PCAARRD's partners in policy analysis and advocacy research in AANR. Ms. Monica B. Castillo of the Socio-Economics Research Division, represented DOST-PCAARRD and Ms. Karen S. Janiya of the College of Public Affairs and Development, represented the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Policy nudging refers to using subtle, non-coercive interventions to influence people's behavior predictably without restricting their choices or significantly altering economic incentives. It is a way for governments and institutions to gently encourage people to make better decisions without imposing strict regulations or penalties. Instead, nudging changes how choices are presented, making the best option more appealing. Many countries have widely used this approach in their program and policy implementations. The Council views it as a promising tool in addressing pressing issues in the Philippine AANR sector.
The benchmarking included visits to three prominent UK institutions known for innovative policy methods: Policy Lab, the El-Erian Institute of Behavioral Economics and Policy at the University of Cambridge, and the UK Behavioral Insights Team (BIT). Each institution provided valuable insights into innovative tools and approaches in policymaking.
At Policy Lab, the Philippine benchmarking team explored multidisciplinary approaches to policy development, including participatory and people-centred methods. The lab shared 11 experimental methodologies, such as superforecasting, serious games, legislative theatre, and digital twins, designed to improve policy design and implementation. These methods enable citizens and stakeholders to contribute to policy in meaningful and impactful ways. Policy Lab is a multidisciplinary government unit that aims to improve policymaking through design, innovation, and people-centred approaches.
Meanwhile, the discussion at the University of Cambridge's El-Erian Institute of Behavioral Economics and Policy focused on behavioral approaches to environmental and agricultural problems and policies in the Philippines. Professor Reisch of the University of Cambridge and Professor Cass Sunstein of Harvard Law School shared their insights on the pressing issues of the Philippine agricultural sector, such as the youth's disinterest and disengagement in agriculture, aging farmers, and low adoption of technologies. They discussed possible nudging initiatives that can be done to address the issues.
At the UK Behavioral Insights Team (UK BIT), the Philippine benchmarking team learned about applying behavioral insights in public policy. BIT shared its TESTS methodology (Target, Explore, Solution, Trial, Scale) and EAST framework (Easy, Attractive, Social, Timely), providing structured approaches to integrating behavioral science into policy making. They also presented case studies highlighting the importance of nudging in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving resource efficiency, and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviors. UK BIT is the first policy nudging unit established in 2010 by the UK government, dedicated to incorporating a better understanding of human behavior into public policy, programs, and products.
This benchmarking activity highlighted the need for the Philippines to invest in behavioral science and innovative approaches to improve policymaking in the AANR sector. Through adopting science-based policy approaches, DOST-PCAARRD continues its commitment to drive sustainable development in the AANR sector.