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Nudging Digital Transformation: Behavioral Economics Approaches To E-Government Adoption In The European Union With Implications For Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Alexandra CRACIUN

    (PhD Candidate, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Economics, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Monica DUDIAN

    (Professor, PhD, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Economics, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Dan-Alexandru LAZAR

    (PhD Candidate, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Management Doctoral School, International Centre for Public Management, Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

This paper examines the application of behavioral economics principles to digital government adoption across the European Union in 2024, with specific implications for Romania and Eastern Europe. Despite increasing investments in digital infrastructure and services, individuals’ adoption of e-government solutions remains uneven across Europe, with behavioral barriers often overlooked in technology adoption strategies. The study employs comparative analysis of existing data from the EU Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), national digital government initiatives, and published case studies to identify effective behavioral interventions. The research aims to identify critical behavioral techniques driving digital adoption in European public administration, including pre-filled forms, user support, mobile centricity, and transparency by design. Findings reveal important considerations for Romanian public administrators seeking to accelerate digital government adoption through behavioral approaches. This paper contributes to the ongoing research in the field of behavioral public administration by analytically comparing successful behavioral strategies in the European digital government context and proposing similar strategies to be applied in Romania's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Alexandra CRACIUN & Monica DUDIAN & Dan-Alexandru LAZAR, 2025. "Nudging Digital Transformation: Behavioral Economics Approaches To E-Government Adoption In The European Union With Implications For Romania," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2025(44), pages 60-74.
    • Handle: RePEc:rom:rampas:v:2025:y:2025:i:44:p:60-74
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Richard H. Thaler, 2018. "From Cashews to Nudges: The Evolution of Behavioral Economics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 108(6), pages 1265-1287, June.
    2. Armenia ANDRONICEANU, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence In Administration And Public Management," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2024(42), pages 99-114.
    3. Richard H. Thaler, 2016. "Behavioral Economics: Past, Present, and Future," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 106(7), pages 1577-1600, July.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General
    • R5 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis

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