Behavioral Science & Digital Nudging

Behavioral Science & Digital Nudging
Behavioral Science & Digital Nudging

In recent years, the rapid digitalization of the economy and society has fundamentally transformed the way individuals make decisions, interact with digital environments, and are influenced by technological systems. Organizations, both in the private and public sectors, are now required to design digital experiences, products, and policies that go beyond merely providing information and instead rely on a deeper understanding of human behavior, cognitive limitations, and the psychological mechanisms underlying decision-making.

Despite the widespread use of digital tools, a significant educational gap remains: professionals who design digital systems (marketing, UX, product design, communication, public policy) rarely possess systematic training in behavioral science, choice architecture, and the principles of ethical digital nudging. As a result, many digital interventions fail to achieve their objectives or lead to manipulative practices, low trust, and reduced social acceptance.

At the same time, the integration of artificial intelligence, algorithmic personalization, and predictive analytics intensifies the need for professionals who can responsibly and transparently combine data, technology, and human judgment.

This educational program was designed to address this gap by offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that connects behavioral science, digital nudging, and artificial intelligence with strategic communication and responsible digital design. Its objective is to empower professionals and organizations to design digital environments that support better, more conscious, and socially sustainable decisions.

Elias G. Carayannis
Professor of Science, Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, GW School of Business | Visiting Professor of Economics, NKUA
Nikolaos Rigert Zotas
Strategy & Innovation Consultant | PhD Candidate, University of the Aegean | MSc in Digital Innovation & Startup Entrepreneurship, NTUA–University of the Aegean | BSc in Economics & Business Administration
Start Date Start Date: Sep 21st 2026
Early Bird Discount - 10% off until Aug 31st 2026
Register by Register by: Jul 28th 2026
Duration Duration: 6 weeks
Programme leads to Course Certificate
Educational SupportEducation type: Personal educational support
Price Total cost: 280 €
Pay as you go
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The programme is addressed to graduates of Higher Education Institutions (Universities/Technological Educational Institutes) in Greece or abroad, as well as to secondary education graduates with relevant professional experience.

More specifically, it is intended for professionals who are active or intend to become active in the design of digital products and services, marketing, user experience (UX), business strategy, change management, innovation, and policymaking.

In addition, the programme is suitable for professionals in both the public and private sectors, as well as consultants, researchers, and educators who wish to integrate principles of behavioral science and responsible digital nudging into their professional or academic activities.

 

The purpose of the programme is to train participants in the fundamental principles and applications of behavioral science and digital nudging, with an emphasis on the responsible design of digital environments, strategic communication, and the improvement of decision-making in organizational and social contexts.

More specifically, participants will become familiar with core concepts of behavioral economics, such as choice architecture, cognitive biases, heuristics, and dual-process thinking, as well as with the main theories of nudge and digital nudging. At the same time, they will develop an understanding of how digital interfaces, personalization mechanisms, user data, and algorithmic interventions influence individual behavior and decision-making.

The programme seeks to foster a critical approach to issues related to influence, the ethics of digital interventions, privacy protection, and transparency in the use of artificial intelligence and data. Through participation, learners will acquire the ability to use tools and methodologies such as behavioral mapping, A/B testing, user behavior analysis, and the design of data-driven digital nudges.

The ultimate goal of the programme is the practical application of digital nudging knowledge and practices in areas such as the workplace, digital product and service design, marketing, organizational change, education, and the public sector, contributing to the development of more effective, ethical, and human-centered.

The programme is delivered through asynchronous distance learning and is structured into two (2) instructional units. Full academic support is provided for each unit throughout the duration of the programme by a designated instructor. The total study workload corresponds to thirty (30) hours.

More specifically:

In the unit “Behavioral Economics, Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Nudging Design”, the fundamental principles of behavioral science and nudge theory are presented, along with their application in digital environments. The role of artificial intelligence is analyzed, and issues related to ethics, privacy, and responsible digital intervention are examined. The total study workload for this unit corresponds to twenty-five (25) hours.

The unit “Developing a Practical Nudging Plan” focuses on the practical application of theory through the design of a comprehensive nudging plan. It includes the analysis of a real behavioral problem and the development of evidence-based, actionable, and ethically responsible interventions. The total study workload for this unit corresponds to five (5) hours.

Assessment is conducted through the educational platform using both closed-ended and open-ended questions

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Online and distance training learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and training techniques with asychronous interaction with your tutor and fellow trainees from around the world.

The e-learning course is self-paced and is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Courses are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the course tutor and other trainees takes place through an online forum. The courses are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the course whenever it is convenient for you, however within the given deadlines.

The whole world becomes your classroom, as e-learning material can be accessed on a laptop, tablet or smart phone. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or even during your trip to Greece!

The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic educational material based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced to help trainees engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. E-learners have access to the educational platform with their personal access codes in order to browse all relevant training material and interact with their instructors.

Moreover, an online communication system through own personal e-mail account is available in order to make the process easier and more interactive. Trainees can contact their tutors directly through the educational platform.

Every week e-learners are provided with the scheduled material, delivered either in the form of video-lectures, text notes and relevant presentations or as a combination of them. The educational material of the course is uploaded gradually, per educational unit. During the course, important info for the smooth conduct of the educational process, such as timetables for the submission of the exercises are announced on the Announcement section of the platform.

For successful completion of the course participants should fulfill their academic obligations, meaning that they should have submitted all corresponding assessment exercises and have achieved at least an average of 50% grade in the corresponding tests for each module. The score scale ranges from 0 to 100%.

During the course trainees will be attending a training experience designed by academics and lecturers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece.

 

 

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