Revamping policy implementation: Time for shifting the paradigm

Effective implementation of public policy is essential for realising socioeconomic development and safeguarding public welfare. Bangladesh, despite notable developmental strides, has faced criticism regarding its inadequate execution of public policies. 

The challenges include issues such as insufficient coordination, political influence, and weak institutional capacity. To overcome these obstacles, it is imperative to adopt innovative strategies that enhance the efficiency of public policy implementation.

Before exploring potential solutions, it is important to comprehend the public policy environment. Critics frequently assert that while policies in Bangladesh appear commendable in theory, their practical execution is lacking, which stems from both structural and socio-political dynamics. 

A significant concern is the overlapping responsibilities and lack of coordination among various government agencies. Corruption and political interference exacerbate this situation, as decision-making often favours political agendas over the public interest. 

Additionally, the weak institutional capacity is a major factor, as numerous government entities lack the requisite expertise and technological infrastructure to effectively implement policies. Moreover, the absence of contextualisation sometimes creates difficulties in grassroots application, leading to poor adaptation and resistance at the community level. 

Furthermore, a lack of transparency and citizen engagement in policy-making processes undermines accountability. Importantly, policies are frequently formulated on an ad-hoc basis rather than being driven by data or evidence.

To expedite policy implementation, it is essential to consider the ground realities while incorporating global best practices. The adoption of data-driven policy implementation can play a crucial role in this process. By leveraging big data and data analytics, the execution of policies can be significantly enhanced through the provision of real-time insights into their performance. 

This enables governments to adjust their strategies dynamically based on empirical evidence. For instance, in the United States, predictive analytics is employed in the healthcare sector to monitor patient data and forecast future outcomes. In Bangladesh, the implementation of real-time monitoring systems through data analytics can facilitate the tracking of policy initiatives progress. 

For example, the effectiveness of rural healthcare systems or poverty alleviation programs can be evaluated through data analysis, providing immediate feedback. Additionally, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can assist in predicting potential failures and suggesting timely interventions.

Additionally, decentralising decision-making authority and empowering local governments and communities is vital for achieving responsive and efficient policy implementation. Community-driven development (CDD) approaches have proven particularly effective in aligning policies with local needs and priorities. A notable example is Brazil's Fome Zero (Zero Hunger) program, which successfully integrated CDD principles by involving local communities in the design and delivery of food assistance. 

This strategy ensured that policies were tailored to local conditions, thereby enhancing their effectiveness. Expanding community-driven development initiatives across sectors such as agriculture, education, and water resource management can foster local ownership and improve overall policy outcomes. Engaging citizens through crowdsourcing can also prove to be an effective strategy. This approach allows citizens to participate directly in the policy-making process, from its design to execution, fostering more customised solutions and increasing levels of engagement. 

For instance, in Finland, the government utilises crowdsourcing platforms to involve citizens in the policy-making process, enabling them to suggest amendments to legislation and provide feedback on ongoing government initiatives. Bangladesh could establish digital platforms that allow citizens to propose solutions, report local issues, or share ideas to enhance policy implementation. 

Moreover, gamification can serve as an innovative tool for citizen participation. This technique incorporates game-design elements into non-gaming contexts to promote desired behaviours. In China, for example, the government has launched gamified applications to motivate citizens to lower their carbon footprints. 

Participants earn points for engaging in environmentally friendly activities, such as recycling and conserving energy, which can be redeemed for rewards. Bangladesh could implement gamification strategies across various sectors, including education, health, and environmental conservation. Gamified platforms can serve as effective tools to motivate citizens by offering rewards for completing government surveys or engaging in community clean-up activities. 

Additionally, the application of behavioural insights and nudging is essential. Behavioural insights leverage psychological principles to comprehend decision-making processes, allowing for the development of policies that align more closely with the needs of the populace. 

Nudge theory posits that minor adjustments in policy can guide individuals toward making improved choices while preserving their autonomy. The UK government has implemented a Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) to apply nudging strategies aimed at influencing citizen behaviour. 

For instance, by sending reminders regarding tax obligations and framing them as civic responsibilities, the government has notably increased tax compliance rates. By harnessing behavioural insights, Bangladesh could enhance the uptake of public health initiatives, improve adherence to environmental regulations, and elevate tax revenue. 

For example, employing nudge techniques to promote timely health screenings, encourage school attendance, or incentivise sustainable agricultural practices could yield more favourable policy results.

Blockchain technology offers significant advantages in terms of transparency, security, and the immutability of transactions. Its application in public policy has the potential to eradicate corruption and enhance accountability. The government of Georgia has successfully implemented blockchain to create a transparent and tamper-resistant land registry, which has significantly diminished instances of fraud and corruption, thereby safeguarding property rights. 

In Bangladesh, blockchain could be utilised to oversee public procurement processes, guarantee transparency in welfare distribution, and secure land records. This implementation would not only mitigate corruption but also foster greater trust in public institutions. Additionally, in the realm of social safety net programs, blockchain can facilitate the direct transfer of funds to intended beneficiaries, preventing diversion or fraudulent activities.

Bangladesh encounters numerous obstacles in the execution of public policy; however, by embracing innovative approaches, such as digital governance, data-driven policy implementation, public-private partnerships, decentralisation, behavioural insights, crowdsourcing, gamification, and blockchain technology, it presents promising opportunities to improve policy outcomes. 

When these strategies are adapted to the specific context of Bangladesh and supported by strong political will, they can revolutionise the design, implementation, and monitoring of public policies, ultimately leading to more sustainable development results.

Dr Mohammad Kamrul Hasan is a public administration and public policy researcher. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.