How productivity could deliver inclusive growth in Scotland
Article
The UK economy has struggled to maintain productivity growth since the financial crash in 2008. Despite catching up with UK pay and productivity levels in the first decade or so of devolution, more recently Scotland’s economy has struggled to maintain consistent growth in productivity rates too.
As the key means of driving up a country’s average living standards over the long term, productivity growth is incredibly important to social and economic outcomes. Poor productivity can hold back growth and hold down wages. Equally, even strong productivity growth may not tackle Scotland’s long-standing inequalities, depending on who benefits from increasing productivity.
This report aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities of delivering productivity growth in Scotland that can deliver an economy that narrows inequalities, delivering a more inclusive economy that can drive greater prosperity alongside greater economic justice.
Related items

“I feel quite unsettled and unsafe”: Young people, belonging, and the broken promise of childhood
Young people in England feel less secure, supported and connected than a decade ago. Based on nearly 200 conversations, this blog explores why childhood feels more stressful and less joyful.
On home ground: The future of devolution
Andy Burnham has pledged to deliver “the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen”. The key task for the new government is putting this into action.
The legitimacy trap
Why a more active state needs better statecraft.