Scottish Policy Foundation to support research into increasing productivity and inclusive growth

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Grant-giving public policy charity the Scottish Policy Foundation (SPF) is to co-fund new research into boosting productivity in Scotland while also achieving inclusive economic growth.

The research will be carried out by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) using a macro-economic model developed for the SPF by the Fraser of Allander Institute.

Inclusive growth means growing the economy in a way that reduces inequalities and it is one of the priorities of the Scottish Government’s approach to the economy.

Productivity can be increased by interventions such as investing in skills, redesigning jobs, improving business practices, investing in software and machinery and improving infrastructure. 

The new research will examine what impact such interventions for productivity growth might have on economic and social outcomes such as low pay, career progression, poverty and employment and how both can be delivered together.

The project builds on the work that the SPF has already funded on comparative productivity and the growth of small economies.

Director of IPPR Scotland Russell Gunson said: “Increasing productivity in different ways may have different effects on our economy and society, and while it is widely accepted that our economy needs to become more productive, looking at how this can be achieved in a way that narrows inequalities is crucially important.

 “This research project is designed to consider these issues in depth and to explore new ideas and policy solutions that will deliver a stronger economic performance in Scotland in as equitable a way as possible.”

“The project will also provide evidence that will help to shape the debate on the future of our economy and support scrutiny of future policy choices.”

Director of the Scottish Policy Foundation Alison Moore said: “As a foundation with a remit to improve the quality and quantity of public policy research in Scotland, we recognise the value of this project in contributing to an important debate around the way in which our economy in Scotland should grow.

“We also welcome the fact that we are helping to support the capacity of a think tank in Scotland through our award.”

The Scottish Policy Foundation is an independent grant-making charitable foundation that funds research by think tanks, charities and other organisations.

It was launched in November 2017 with the aim of increasing the resources available to research public policy options in Scotland.