Strengthening the think tank sector in Scotland

Article

The devolution of significant powers to the Scottish parliament has led to an increasing number of legislative, spending and policy decisions being made in Scotland.

Over the past two decades we have seen a growing policy community in Scotland, aiming to influence and support decision-making. However, there have been concerns that few think tanks have developed in Scotland since devolution, to provide the good evidence and new ideas required to ensure that Scotland makes the most of its powers, and that decision-making is evidence-based and not simply dominated by the loudest voices.

This report considers the think tank sector in Scotland, its history and potential ways to strengthen the sector in the future.

Related items

  1. View of Bank of England, Royal Exchange, and Duke of Wellington equestrian statue (1844) with skyscrapers and construction in background.

    Navigating in the fog: Why the OBR should hold its nerve on the productivity forecast

    The fiscal watchdog is under pressure to downgrade its forecast, costing the chancellor billions – but this would be premature.
  2. A busy bus full of people of all ages. An older couple smile at a younger woman with a baby in a pushchair

    Everyday concerns: What people want from transport

    Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government's missions and improving lives. 
  3. An unrecognisable woman playing a slot machine in a social club

    Reforming gambling taxation: How to lift half a million children out of poverty

    A key priority for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should be to remove the two-child limit and scrap the household benefit cap.