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First minister John Swinney is set to give a keynote speech at a major conference hosted by the Scottish think tank IPPR Scotland on Wednesday in Edinburgh.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the think tank has brought together prominent politicians, policy experts and practitioners to discuss key policy areas ahead of next year’s parliamentary election. Anas Sarwar, head of the Scottish Labour Party will also take the stage as a keynote speaker.

Ten years ago, in the wake of the Scottish Independence referendum, there emerged a clear need for a think tank to support progressive policymaking and deepen public debate in both Holyrood and Westminster. It was a period of profound political and societal change marked by uncertainty, but also by opportunity. In response to this shifting landscape, IPPR Scotland was established in 2015.

Since then, the think tank has weighed in on several social and economic policy areas that affect the daily lives of Scottish people. From tax and spending to poverty and inequality, IPPR Scotland has influenced decision-making over the past decade in the corridors of Holyrood.

Today, Scotland is once again in a churn. The existing cost of living crisis has been exacerbated by fiscal challenges. The escalating climate catastrophe and an ageing population demand urgent attention and intervention.

The anniversary conference has been planned with these specifics in mind. The panel discussions will cover a range of topics such as democracy, economy, net zero, poverty and fiscal challenges. With the 2026 Holyrood elections on the horizon, IPPR Scotland believes it is time for progressive and radical change.

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, said:

“I commend the work of IPPR Scotland and its aim to be a progressive think tank that challenges us to find Scottish solutions to Scottish problems. Over the past ten years, it has proudly established itself as part of a deeper tradition of collaboration and critical thinking in our national life.

“IPPR Scotland’s founding mission – of making the Scotland of tomorrow even better than the Scotland of today – is one that inspires me as First Minister and drives the work of my government to improve the lives of everyone in our country. Scotland faces significant challenges in the years ahead, but the opportunities are even greater if we work together and take the right path.”

Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, said:

"For a decade, IPPR Scotland has led the way in delivering the fresh insight and new thinking Scotland needs.

"The need for the type of bold thinking that the IPPR offers Scotland has never been greater.

"Sticking plaster solutions cannot meet the challenges before us.

"I am determined that the Scottish election next year is about transformative change - not tinkering around the edges and managed decline.

"That's why I am delighted to speak to at this wonderful event tomorrow and to share my ideas about how we can make Scotland flourish."

Stephen Boyd, IPPR Scotland director, said:

“The next Scottish government will face significant challenges – from filling the fiscal gap and improving public services, to delivering a fair transition to net zero and reducing child poverty. The gap between the public’s aspirations and what they expect the next government to deliver is huge. As Scotland’s main progressive think-tank, we will continue to develop bold and progressive policies which can become deliverable realities for the people of Scotland.”

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW: 

IPPR Scotland director Stephen Boyd is available for interviews.

CONTACT:

If you’d like to attend the conference, contact Sukhada Tatke, media and impact officer at IPPR Scotland: s.tatke@ippr.org 07901169121

NOTE TO EDITORS: 

IPPR Scotland shapes public policy in pursuit of a fairer, greener, more prosperous Scotland.