AI in local government: Adoption, benefits and challenges
This report from UK think tank City-REDI examines how artificial intelligence is being adopted in local government. This report from the Local Policy Innovation Partnership provides a timely stocktake of how artificial intelligence is being adopted in local government, what benefits are beginning to emerge, and what barriers still limit wider deployment. It draws on...
Turning energy support into investment leverage
This report from UK think tank IPPR reveals that UK business investment is the second lowest in the G7. High energy costs are squeezing UK industry, but support must do more than keep firms afloat. British manufacturing workers have access to 47 per cent fewer machines, tools and technologies than workers in similar economies Our...
Skills for the future: Demand for and supply of high-skilled labour across England
This report from UK think tank City-REDI finds that high-level skills mismatches differ significantly by area and that policy responses should reflect local differences in demand. This study maps employer demand for higher-level qualifications (at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 4 and above), the supply of residents with these qualifications, and the resulting demand-supply gaps...
Angels’ delights
This report from UK think tank Centre for Cities argues that geographic differences in equity investment reflects differences in the number of investable firms. Equity investment is at the heart of the Industrial Strategy, and it is predominantly urban. Over 80 per cent of equity deals and values are for businesses in cities. A few...
Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker – February 2026
This report from UK think tank The David Hume Institute looks at the economic outlook for Scots. Scots feel marginally less pessimistic about the country's economy, but pressure on spending remains. Nearly half of Scottish voters say healthcare is one of the most important issues facing Scotland, followed closely by the cost of living, according...
Examining the evidence on place-based research partnerships: Towards a set of principles for successful partnerships
This report from UK think tank City-REDI examines what makes place based research partnerships work effectively. This evidence review brings together academic and practice based literature to understand what makes place based research partnerships work effectively. It identifies the outcomes these partnerships can deliver, the infrastructure and systems that support success, the skills and expertise...
Knock, knock
This report from UK think tank the Adam Smith Institute examines the effects of the new union access regime on SMEs. This report examines the economic impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025 on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The core of the report argues that the Act’s new provisions—which allow trade unions to demand...
AI’s got news for you: Can AI improve our information environment?
This report from UK think tank IPPR discusses whether AI can improve our information environment. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our information environment and becoming a new front door through which the public access the news. Already, 24 per cent of people report using AI for information seeking every week. But there is widespread concern...
Cliff Edge: Jobs in Aberdeen, the epicentre of the UK’s energy transition
This report from UK think tank the Jobs Foundation looks at both the effect of government policy on the energy sector and on jobs and communities. The Jobs Foundation’s first report on the connection between energy and job creation/retention, Jobs and Energy: The effect of high energy costs on the UK jobs market was published...
The meat of the matter
This report from UK think tank Green Alliance examines what the trend in lower meat consumption may mean for UK livestock farmers. Diet change, particularly eating a little less meat, is widely recommended for health and sustainability reasons. Yet, government support for such shifts is often framed as a threat to UK livestock farmers. Our...