# CAREER: Endogenous Information Design: Influencing Behavior with Information when Behavior Changes the World

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (CO) · $500,000

## Abstract

How can a social planner share information with people to encourage behaviors that benefit society as a whole? Moreover, what if human behavior affects the state of the world, changing the information the planner can share? This problem is called “endogenous information design:” strategically providing information about the world in situations when the state of the world depends on behavior. This problem appears in many smart infrastructure systems: for example, a smartphone app that warns drivers about a traffic accident encourages cautious driving, which reduces the risk of follow-on accidents. However, this safer driving also changes the traffic conditions, which affects the app’s future warnings. This circular relationship creates complex challenges for decision-makers in systems like transportation networks, public safety, and smart technologies. This project will develop new theoretical models and mathematical tools for analyzing these types of situations. These findings will have impact across many fields including economics, transportation science, and operations research. Furthermore, the project will include a series of traveling summer schools which will visit universities across the US to educate graduate students on these new techniques. In addition to the summer schools, the project will involve outreach to K-12 students, undergraduate researchers, and members of the public.

This project will pose, characterize, and apply a novel family of game-theoretic mode

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2440836
- **Awardee organization:** University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (CO)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RH87YDXC1AY5
- **PI:** Philip N Brown
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Control systems & applications, CONTROL SYSTEMS, OPTIMIZATION & DECISION MAKING, LEARNING & INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2440836

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2440836, CAREER: Endogenous Information Design: Influencing Behavior with Information when Behavior Changes the World. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2440836. Licensed CC0.

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