This report from UK think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs looks at the empirical evidence of alcohol advertising. The economics literature shows that advertising can increase the sale of individual brands but, in mature markets, does not increase aggregate sales of the type of product being advertised. Public health campaigners claim that a ban...

This report from UK think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs looks at arguments for liberal antitrust for a digital age. Competition is a discovery process between rival firms and can only be explained if the information is imperfect. Competition is the most effective way to coordinate economic activity by disseminating the information and knowledge...

This report from UK think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs looks at whether digital platforms be required to fund news publishers. A new report from the Institute of Economic Affairs warns government against intervening in the relationship between digital platforms and legacy media. Breaking the News?, by IEA Head of Public Policy Matthew Lesh,...

This report from UK think tank the IEA looks at how to deliver a sustainable student funding system. The provision of a higher education to a student is a service like few others. For the service to deliver value requires the active participation of the recipient. Even then, the range of possible outcomes – whether...

This report from UK think tank the IEA looks at principles that public authorities must follow when granting subsidies. The Subsidy Control Bill (‘the Bill’) could make it easier for public authorities to provide economically damaging subsidies – by moving away from the European Union’s state aid process and reducing transparency requirements. The Bill outlines...