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. A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

    Restoring security: Understanding the effects of removing the two-child limit across the UK

    The government’s decision to lift the two-child limit marks one of the most significant changes to the social security system in a decade.
  2. A group of healthcare professionals sitting in a staff common room in a hospital in Newcastle

    Building a healthier, wealthier Britain: Launching the IPPR Centre for Health and Prosperity

    Following the success of our Commission on Health and Prosperity, IPPR is excited to launch the Centre for Health and Prosperity.
  3. The Home Office building in London

    A ‘paradigm shift’ in asylum and immigration policy?

    In 2019, a package of asylum reforms known as the ‘paradigm shift’ was passed by a broad party consensus in the Danish parliament.