Our research

As Scotland’s progressive think tank, we develop strategic research, connect robust evidence and ideas into policymaking, hold the government to account on delivery, and by extension make a tangible impact to people's lives in Scotland.

Our independent research is firmly rooted in expertise, evidence and high-quality analysis. We generate evidence-based, practical solutions. Our recent research has included topics such as Scotland’s economy, fiscal analysis, child poverty, an inclusive economy, education, skills, social security and more.

Latest

  1. Filling the funding gap: at what cost to Scotland’s public services?

    Last week the Scottish government published its delayed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) which ‘provides the economic, funding and spending outlooks for the financial years 2025/26 to 2029/30’ and ‘the Government’s fiscal strategy to…
  2. Singapore on the Clyde?

    Sir Tom Hunter is not happy.Scotland, he laments, is in “managed decline”. The UK and Scottish governments are “punishing the entrepreneurial community with more tax” and, inevitably, “no country has ever taxed its way to growth”. Change…
  3. IPPR Scotland analysis on child poverty on ITV Peston

  4. The Scottish parlimant is a white modernist building

    Programme for Government 2025/26: An IPPR Scotland briefing

    On 6 March, first minister John Swinney will announce his Programme for Government for 2025/26. He will highlight his four ‘core priorities’ of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling climate change, and ensuring high…
  5. A mother and child walking in a field with hills in the distance

    Achieving the 2030 child poverty target: The distance left to travel

    On 27 March, the Scottish government will announce whether Scotland’s 2023 child poverty target – no more than 18 per cent of children in poverty – was achieved. 
  6. Women in Scotland: the gendered impact of care on financial stability and well-being

    Women in Scotland are far likelier than men to take on childcare and other caring responsibilities, which puts them at an economic disadvantage.