2021 and earlier news
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Lockdown showed us that the internet is an essential utility but parts of Scotland will be left behind if access to high speed broadband is not levelled up. Read Lucy Higginson’s blog.
DHI’s response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on tax policy and the budget.
Susan Murray, Director of the David Hume Institute, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament Finance and Public Administration committee following its response to the consultation on Public Finances in 2022-23.
As the football transfer deadline day passed last week, many teams made key appointments to their squads. Player’s data and match statistics underpinned transfer decisions. It’s no different in business: data matters and should affect the choices being made.
Susan Murray’s latest blog.
The David Hume Institute is challenging business and investment leaders to embrace change to realise the benefits of greater diversity in top leadership roles.
Read more here.
DHI Response to the Scottish Parliament’s call for views on Scotland’s public finances in 2022-23 and the impact of COVID.
Our latest briefing paper sets out plans for a new agreement on multi-year budgeting that could deliver more open discussion about funding for public services and enable longer-term planning for their delivery.
Global Expert considers the actions needed to help all of Scotland’s places thrive post-pandemic.
We have all had to think about risk a lot over the last 12 months. But how much do you know about the risk in other aspects of your life?
With sanitiser stations, record postal votes and social distancing stretching queues to vote long into the distance, the Scottish Parliament 2021 election was very much not business as usual. The next term of Parliament won’t be either.
Many of us will know or have children who ask ‘why’ a lot - as we build back better from Covid, economists and policymakers should be asking the same question.
Imagining Scotland in 2070 may feel like another universe, but thinking beyond election cycles and constitutional questions gives space to think beyond the every day.
Sir John Elvidge reflects on his six year tenure as Chair of the David Hume Institute
International insights from the Global South Series, in partnership with WEvolution. the Glasgow based self reliant organisation, gave us a new perspective from the Global South.
Challenging misconceptions about economics is essential to attract more diverse people into the profession. Dr Arun Advani and Mairi Spowage on the need for urgent change.
“Being heard is powerful and I want more people, no matter what age they are, to experience it.” Kieran from Fife took part in a David Hume Institute community conversation in November 2020 when he was 14. He tells us in his own words why we should all listen to young people as equals.
This week has seen a flood of headlines from around the world about antiquated British views. It doesn’t matter what you personally think of Meghan Markle or the monarchy, for many international observers this affects their perception of the UK.
The Action Project had to be about listening. And, it had to be us working in a way that enabled people to take part beyond the usual suspects. Read why our latest research is looking further with diversity.
People want to ensure “good” comes out of the pandemic and they are taking action to make that happen.
The framing of discussions on tax limit open conversation. Is it time to change the narrative?
The David Hume Institute has announced the appointment of four new trustees alongside the promotion of existing trustee Ken Barker, who will take over as chair in March 2021 from Sir John Elvidge.
Susan Murray reflects Professor Linda Scott book, The Double X Economy and what it means for who gets heard in economic debate.
As more becomes known about the UK Government’s future approach to migration, the debate is moving on, just like the migrants.
Current employment rates in Scotland are at a near-record high. However, Scotland’s population is ageing fast and there is a low birth rate.
By 2041, the pension-age population is projected to increase by 265,000, while the working-age population is only projected to rise by 38,000.
This report discusses the challenges facing Scotland with changes to migration patterns and a shortage of workers. What can we do to meet the labour supply challenges in Scotland. Who will do the jobs?
Each year, the David Hume Institute publishes a Summer Reading List for the Scottish First Minister. It is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and brings together some of the best writing from Scotland and beyond. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they have been chosen because they are good reads, based on sound evidence. It is the office of First Minister that we have in mind rather than any particular incumbent and we hope that the First Minister, or indeed any Scot, would find them stimulating.
Scottish productivity has all but stalled in the last fifteen years and a turnaround is required if future living standards are to improve. This report makes recommendations for government, policymakers, business and trade unions, based on the conclusions of new research and case studies. It details five evidence-based stories of what has worked in comparable places and draws lessons from their experiences. In each case a ruthless focus on evidence, building consensus across the political divide, and developing strong and credible institutions were all necessary to turn things around.
The David Hume Institute is delighted to present its inaugural First Minister’s Summer Reading List. Bringing together some of the best recent writing from Scotland and beyond, the list is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and the world. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they are all good reads, based on evidence and with something of significance to say. We hope the First Minister – or indeed any Scot – will find them thought-provoking and an enjoyable addition to their summer break.