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What determines whether people are willing and able to follow rules and regulations issued by (local) governments and other institutions? For a long time, it was taken for granted that people would comply. Things changed after the publication in 2017 of the report Why knowing what to do is not enough. A realistic perspective on self-reliance by the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (English version available at ) by introducing the concept of Capacity to Act (Doenvermogen in Dutch).

After more than seven years since the initial publication, it is time to reflect on this concept. Do we still believe that people are cognitive misers and that policy makers should account for this? Or should policy makers also have a critical look at their own policy making and design policies that are doable for people? And is taking account of capacity to act sufficient for truly engaging people with public policies?

These and other questions will be discussed at a special event organized by the Behavior & Institutions platform at Utrecht University with Mike Keesman, PhD, Project leader Capacity to Act Test at the Ministry of Justice and Security, who will give an update on the latest developments. Floor Kroese, PhD, behavioral scientist at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, will reflect on these developments. There will be ample time for discussion with the audience moderated by Denise de Ridder (professor of psychology at Utrecht University and coordinator of the Platform Behavior & Institutions).

Where: Sociëteit De Vereeniging, Mariaplaats 14 Utrecht (at walking distance from Central Station Utrecht)

When: Tuesday May 13 2025, 3-5 pm followed by drinks and the opportunity for informal gathering. You are welcome from 2.30 PM onwards.

For whom: both scientists and policy makers with an interest in behavioral insights

*Note that the presentations and discussion will be in English unless the audience consists of Dutch speaking people only.