Building Research Partnerships between Academia and Industry: A Speaker’s Perspective
Summary
In this article, we explore the importance of building research partnerships between academia and industry. We discuss how decisions can be costly and require effort, but we want to influence choices by providing the right information at the right time. We also highlight the significance of making choices easy for people and forming habits to make healthy choices.
Table of Contents
- Seeing Employees as Partners in Research
- Providing Information to Influence Choices
- Making Choices Easy for People
- Forming Habits for Healthy Choices
- Addressing Concerns about Manipulative Nudges
Seeing Employees as Partners in Research
At the heart of building research partnerships between academia and industry is the idea of seeing employees as partners in research, not subjects. We believe that by involving employees in the research process, we can create a more collaborative and effective approach to problem-solving.
Providing Information to Influence Choices
We understand that decisions can be costly and require effort, but we want to influence choices by providing the right information at the right time. In a simple experiment, we found that providing people with information and giving them the power to make informed decisions had a substantial impact on their choices.
Making Choices Easy for People
We believe in the importance of making choices easy for people. For example, we implemented a program of using small plates to control portion sizes in our micro kitchens. We also redesigned the micro kitchen at Google to make healthier options more visible and easier to choose, resulting in a decrease in calorie consumption from M&Ms.
Forming Habits for Healthy Choices
We recognize that small decisions can add up and make a difference in our lives. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of forming habits and consistency in making healthy choices.
Addressing Concerns about Manipulative Nudges
We understand the concerns about manipulative nudges and express a desire to learn and improve our initiatives. We believe that by involving employees in the research process and providing information to influence choices, we can create a more collaborative and effective approach to problem-solving.
Conclusion
Building research partnerships between academia and industry is crucial for creating a more collaborative and effective approach to problem-solving. By seeing employees as partners in research, providing information to influence choices, making choices easy for people, and forming habits for healthy choices, we can make a positive impact on the lives of employees and organizations.
