Experiments to Stimulate Civic Behaviour

Narrative

There is strong policy interest in more effective ways to increase citizen engagement, including time contributions and the donation of goods. Research undertaken at the University of Manchester (UoM) has stimulated debate around localism and the ‘Big Society’, directly influencing central and local government policy. Specifically, the research has shaped debates on the role of ‘nudge’ mechanisms in the generation of the ‘civic goods’ that underpin effective public service delivery, with impact demonstrated in two ways. Firstly, documenting and mobilising civic participation (volunteering and donations) through the use of innovative field experiments, including Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). Secondly, demonstrating an influence on policymakers through clear illustrations of the rigorous and scalable methodologies that underpin the research.

Impact date	2014
Category of impact	Societal impacts, Political impacts
Impact level	Benefit