Unlocking the economics of clean heat neighbourhoods
This report from UK think tank Nesta explores the reasons behind the challenges faced by shared infrastructure projects across the UK. Nesta has been researching the ways to roll out area-based approaches to clean heat at scale One aspect of our clean heat neighbourhood approach is shared infrastructure technologies, such as networked heat pumps, shared...
How can governments regulate social media for the public good?
This report from UK think tank Nesta highlights the need for innovative public policy and digital interventions, led by institutions like the BBC. As part of Options for the UK – Nesta’s new home for ideas and radical thinking on policy challenges – Tony Curzon Price argues that our current regulatory approach to regulating social...
How a clean heat transition could be delivered – Exploring the market opportunity for Plymouth’s supply chain
This report from UK think tank Nesta examines how a clean heat transition could be delivered. This draft plan, developed collaboratively by Nesta and Plymouth City Council, outlines a strategic approach to transitioning over 7,500 properties in Stoke ward from fossil fuels to clean, electrified heat. Local authorities often face a delivery gap between strategic...
Family Hubs pregnancy grant pilot – Interim report and early lessons
This report from UK think tank Nesta presents early insights into the programme's implementation and the experience of participants so far. About the pilot In April 2025, Camden Council began piloting the Family Hubs Pregnancy Grant. This is an offer of £500 to low-income pregnant people. Parents are notified of the grant and given simple...
Mind the gaps – why restrictions on less healthy food and drink advertising fall short
This report from UK think tank Nesta explores the changing face of food and drink advertising. Obesity is a critical public health challenge in the UK, with two-thirds of adults now living with excess weight, and levels of childhood obesity in the UK among the highest in Europe. In January 2026, the government implemented new statutory restrictions on...