Our research

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.

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  1. Aerial view of the Borders General Hospital on the edge of the Scottish Borders town of Melrose

    More for less? Employment, productivity and reform in Scottish public services

    Excellent public services should be foundational to a flourishing society.
  2. Dramatic high-angle drone photograph of decommissioned oil platforms anchored in the Cromarty Firth, near Invergordon, Scotland, as the sun sets over a calm North Sea

    Allies for delivery: Rebuilding faith in Scottish politics via the North Sea

    Can Scottish politicians still build enough of a consensus to deliver meaningful change for disillusioned voters?
  3. The Scottish parliament building rises in the backdrop, foregrounded by a pond, trees and a lawn. Blue skies overhead

    Rebuilding Scotland's "New Politics": a constructive parliament to build trust in Scottish politics

    Political disillusionment is growing in Scotland, and policy is not delivering. MSPs who did not stand for re-election this year share how the parliament currently works and could be improved.

  4. Wildfires and climate change | Dave Hawkey from IPPR Scotland speaks to Lewis Goodall on LBC

    Europe’s heatwaves and the wildfires in the Cairngorms are a stark reminder that climate extremes are here.  The Scottish government must act now with a clear plan to prepare for what's coming.
  5. Scottish parliament building at Holyrood and Calton Hill, Edinburgh

    Constructive coalitions? What the election means for the seventh session of the Scottish parliament

    What do the results of the 2026 Scottish parliament election tell us about how Scottish politics is changing? What do progressive parties need to do to get back on track?

  6. What makes a good Holyrood 2026 manifesto?

    IPPR Scotland sets out five key tests

  7. What would it take to eradicate child poverty in Scotland?

    Delivering on the First Minister’s commitment to ‘eradicate’ child poverty seems a long way off.

  8. On the ground: how Scotland’s public servants experience public service reform

    This is the fourth and final in a series of blogs related to IPPR Scotland’s project on ‘Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector’ funded by the Robertson Trust. 
  9. A view of Glasgow, Scotland, from above.

    More than a safety net: The welfare state as springboard to economic success and a better country

    A perceived conflict between social spending and economic dynamism is deeply embedded in both Scottish and UK political discourse.

  10. Rethinking public sector productivity

    This is the second in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust. 

  11. Apples and oranges? Scottish teachers’ pay in international context

    This is the first in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust. 

  12. Policy credibility and the Scottish Budget

  13. A wide shot of the debating chamber at the Scottish parliament

    A return north: reflections on IPPR Scotland’s tenth anniversary conference

    There’s nothing like moving away from Scotland to remind you just how Scottish you are. 

  14. Scotland: Taxed enough already? Maybe not

    It is possible to make the case for progressive increases in income tax while in government. You can win the argument, and the world won’t come to an end.  

  15. In search of the Scottish economy's 'low-hanging fruit': IPPR Scotland responds to the Muscatelli report

    The report is a serious and thoughtful analysis of what is and isn’t working in Scotland’s economic development eco-system.

  16. Celebrating 10 years of IPPR Scotland

    In celebration of our 10th anniversary, IPPR Scotland was delighted to host a daylong conference on October 29. 
  17. Scottish parliament building at Holyrood and Calton Hill, Edinburgh

    Great expectations: Rejuvenating the national debate in Scotland

    Fresh IPPR Scotland polling shows that politicians must raise their game if next year’s election is a to be serious debate about the challenges facing Scotland and potential solutions. 
  18. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Taken to heart: Inequalities in heart disease in Scotland

    More than 7.6 million people across the UK live with cardiovascular disease (CVD), around twice as many as live with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer combined.

  19. 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…

  20. 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…

  21. IPPR Scotland analysis on child poverty on ITV Peston

  22. 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…
  23. 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. 

  24. 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.