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Doing Behavioral Science in the Eternal City: The Case of R2

In: Behavioral Public Policy in a Global Context

Author

Listed:
  • Federico Raimondi Slepoi

    (Harvard University)

  • Anna Strumia

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

This chapter discusses the setup and work of R2, the behavioral insights unit of Rome. First, we provide a description of the context in which Italy’s first unit dedicated to applying behavioral science within the public administration was formed and share details of its structural setup. Second, an excerpt of the team’s work is described. (i) A selection of the work carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak, focused on understanding and driving key behaviors such as social distancing, staying home, washing hands, and easing pandemic fatigue. As Italy was the first country to declare a state of emergency in Europe for the COVID-19 pandemic, the unit held a unique front-line position to explore behavioral science-backed solutions to combat the virus’ spread. (ii) The city of Rome’s first RCT, which was conducted to increase litigation settlement. Citizens involved in litigation with the municipality received an intervention designed following the latest evidence from behavioral science and behavioral economics, leading response rates to increase by 108%. The number of resolved disputes translates into countless work hours saved for city government lawyers and millions of euros in otherwise lost tax revenues generated for the municipality. Finally, the chapter shares two key learnings from the Roman endeavor, which can be effectively replicated in different contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico Raimondi Slepoi & Anna Strumia, 2023. "Doing Behavioral Science in the Eternal City: The Case of R2," Springer Books, in: Michael Sanders & Syon Bhanot & Shibeal O' Flaherty (ed.), Behavioral Public Policy in a Global Context, pages 223-236, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-31509-1_15
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-31509-1_15
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