HEURISTICS AND BIASES IN GOVERNMENT PLANNING PROCESSES: IMPACT ON THE ALLOCATION OF ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Abstract

Government planning is a fundamental strategic process for the efficient allocation of economic resources. However, this process is not exempt from the influence of heuristics and cognitive biases that can distort decision-making and affect the optimal allocation of public resources. This article analyzes the main biases present in contemporary government planning, including confirmation bias, anchoring, overconfidence, and availability heuristics, and assesses their impact on the allocation of economic resources. Through a theoretical review and documentary analysis, recurrent patterns in the decision-making behavior of public officials are identified, as well as the associated institutional risks. The results show that these biases significantly influence the prioritization of projects, budget projections and territorial distribution of resources. The study concludes with recommendations to mitigate such biases through data-driven approaches, artificial intelligence tools, and decision-making training.