Understanding Scotland economy tracker August 2023
Why does the latest Understanding Scotland economy tracker (USET) raise concerns about government policy on nutrition? And how is this a ticking time bomb for public health, the labour market and productivity? Consider these questions and many more in August’s USET results discussion.
This event launched the latest findings in our quarterly research series. Our regular survey with the Diffley Partnership helps us to understand and monitor changes in economic attitudes and public opinion over time.
The recent data have shown that skipping meals and cutting down on portion sizes have consistently been coping strategies for up to a quarter of Scottish households as the cost of living has risen.
In this session, Mark Diffley presented the latest tracker results and then we will reflect on the long term implications of the data by asking: is this household response to financial stress a long-term risk to public health and the economy?
To help us explore this question, Kate Elliot, from Rathbone Greenbank Investments, will join us. Her team led the creation of the Investor Coalition on Food Policy - a group of 23 investors representing over £6 trillion in assets under management. The work analyses the systemic risks and compelling business case for investors to include the negative impact of poor dietary health on the workforce and economic growth.
Mark and Kate were joined by Pete Ritchie, Executive Director of Nourish Scotland. Pete will reflect on the new data from his perspective after many years experience of working to bring change towards a healthier, more sustainable food system.
In the light of recent reports that the average height of UK five year olds is slipping behind other European nations and established evidence that poor diets contribute to four out of the top five risk factors for early death, ill health and disability in Scotland we felt the time is right to ask what action business and policy-makers can take to help avert another growing crisis.
Read the research insights
Is Trust a Must?
This webinar hosted by the David Hume Institute explored trust as a hidden component of a successful economy using Charlie Wood’s most recent discussion paper “Is trust an undervalued ingredient for a thriving economy?”
Past Event: 25th June 2023
Hot on the heels of our new discussion paper “Is trust an undervalued ingredient for a thriving economy?” on Thursday 25th June 2023, the David Hume Institute hosted an engaging webinar to explore the critical role of trust in our economy and society.
David Hume Institute Director, Susan Murray was joined in conversation from New York by Dr David M. Bersoff, from the Edelman Trust Institute. David shared the global context on trust from the 2023 Annual Trust Barometer. He explored questions such as, ‘What does the Barometer tell us about trust in the UK compared to the rest of the world?’, and ‘What do higher levels of trust mean for the economy and the labour market?’
Susan and David were also joined by Charlie Woods, the author of our recent DHI discussion paper, he reflected on the role of trust and the economy, and leading mediator John Sturrock, who works to build trust in negotiations.
This thought-provoking discussion featured expert speakers and in-depth analysis. Trust is often overlooked as a key component of a thriving economy and society. Our speakers made a compelling case for its crucial role in a successful economy.
This event was open to anyone interested in the future of our economy and society, from economists and policymakers to business leaders and students. Throughout the webinar attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in lively debate with others who are interested about the role of trust in economic success.
Understanding Scotland: public perceptions of the economy
Catch up with the February 2023 findings of our quarterly research series, Understanding Scotland: Economy, which tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Past event: 1st March 2023
On Wednesday 1st March 2023 we discussed the latest insights from our most recent Understanding Scotland quarterly survey of economic attitudes and expectations. Our regular survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor public opinion.
For this event we were joined by Mark Diffley, Shona McCarthy and David Eiser. The conversation brought to life what is valuable data and essential information for decision makers in all sectors.
Mark Diffley is a researcher and political pollster with over 20 years’ experience.
Shona McCarthy joined the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as Chief Executive 7 years ago. Shona has championed the Edinburgh Fringe as the world’s leading performing arts festival and expo, founded on the principles of open access and freedom of expression.
David Eiser, is Director of Research, Analysis and Investigations at Consumer Scotland, the recently established statutory organisation for consumers in Scotland.
Understanding Scotland: public perceptions of the economy
Catch up with the November 2022 findings of our quarterly research series, Understanding Scotland: Economy, which tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Past Event: 22nd November 2022
On Tuesday 22nd November 2022, we launched the latest findings in our quarterly research series, Understanding Scotland Economy. Our regular survey with the Diffley Partnership tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Mark Diffley discussed the new data with Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, and Shan Saba, Director of Brightwork.
Mark Diffley is a researcher and pollster with over 20 years experience. After 10 years as Director of Ipsos MORI in Edinburgh, Mark set up a new business in 2017, delivering research and insight for clients across the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and further afield.
Mairi Spowage is Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde. Previously, Mairi was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Head of National Accounts at the Scottish Government. She has over a decade of experience working in different areas of statistics and analysis.
Shan Saba is Director of Brightwork, an established multi-sector recruitment agency with an outstanding reputation. Shan is also the Founder of Scotland Against Modern Slavery, Board Member at Refugee Survival Trust and Advisory Committee Member of Show Racism The Red Card.
Click to view Mark’s slides.
The Great Risk Transfer: have we got the balance right?
Catch up with this event about our latest research The Great Risk Transfer: have we got the balance right? published in partnership with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
Past event: 3rd October 2022
This David Hume Institute event heard findings from our latest research The Great Risk Transfer: have we got the balance right? published in partnership with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
The research explores what Scotland’s people feel about the shift in the balance of risk from institutions, such as employers and the State, to individuals. From managing pensions to insurance and housing. The discussion provided a chance to reflect on the research and discuss who is benefiting from the new levels of choice in managing the risks in their lives?
Lead researcher, Shelagh Young presented the findings and was joined for reflections by John Taylor, past president of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and Mubin Haq, Chief Executive of the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust.
Click to view Shelagh’s slides separately from the event recording.
Understanding Scotland: public perceptions of the economy
Catch up with the August 2022 findings of our quarterly research series, Understanding Scotland Economy which tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Past Event: 30th August 2022
On Tuesday 30th August 2022, we launched the latest findings in our quarterly research series, Understanding Scotland Economy. Our regular survey with The Diffley Partnership tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Mark Diffley discussed the new data with Dr Samuel Mwaura from University of Strathclyde and Aveek Bhattacharya, Chief Economist with the Social Market Foundation. This free in-person event was kindly hosted by Brodies.
Mark Diffley is a researcher and pollster with over 20 years experience. After 10 years as Director of Ipsos MORI in Edinburgh, Mark set up a new business in 2017, delivering research and insight for clients across the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and further afield.
Dr Samuel Mwaura is lecturer of entrepreneurship at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde Business School. Samuel’s recent work has focused on innovation and its impact on productivity, SME financing, the link between entrepreneurship and household wellbeing (including household wealth).
Aveek Bhattacharya is Chief Economist at the Social Market Foundation. Prior to that, he was Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, researching and advocating for policies to reduce alcohol-related harm and as a strategy consultant, advising clients across a range of sectors including retail, consumer goods, software and services.
Understanding Scotland: public perceptions of the economy
This online event heard insights from Understanding Scotland’s quarterly survey of economic attitudes and expectations.
DHI was joined by researcher and pollster Mark Diffley, Director of the Diffley Partnership, and Rachel Statham, Associate Director at IPPR.
Past event: May 2022
This online event heard insights from Understanding Scotland’s quarterly survey of economic attitudes and expectations.
This new, regular survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion. Mark Diffley, from the Diffley Partnership shared the latest data and analysis which is vital information for decision-makers across all sectors. Rachel Statham, Associate Director of IPPR, joined Mark in discussion to reflect on the wider context of the findings.
Mark Diffley is a researcher and pollster with over 20 years experience. After 10 years as Director of Ipsos MORI in Edinburgh, Mark set up a new business in 2017, delivering research and insight for clients across the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and further afield.
Rachel Statham is Associate Director at IPPR, where she leads the institute’s research across employment, health and care, education and social security.
Rolf Alter on Public Sector Productivity
Dr Rolf Alter, an experienced economist, discussed public sector productivity, its macroeconomic significance, (failed) approaches to measuring it and its public policy and governance implications.
Rolf Alter joined the David Hume Institute in a conversation about public sector productivity, discussing its macroeconomic significance, (failed) approaches to measuring it and its public policy and governance implications.
Dr Rolf Alter, an experienced economist, is a Senior Fellow of the HERTIE School of Governance in Berlin, and a member of the Advisory Board of the WEF Global Risk Report. This follows over 25 years at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. He was Chief of Staff to the current OECD Secretary-General and was appointed Director of Public Governance in 2009, when he built a team of 200 staff to support governments around the world in improving their public sector performance for inclusive growth and the competitiveness of their economies. Dr Alter has also worked for the IMF in Washington, and for the German Ministry of Economy in Bonn.
Dr Alter has a strong interest in research of empirical evidence and good policy practice in all areas of public sector governance, including institutional and regulatory reform, productivity, innovation, results-oriented budgeting, transparency, leadership and integrity.
Dr Alter has a doctorate degree from the University of Göettingen, Germany. In 2016 he was awarded the O.P. Dwivedi prize by the IASIA for outstanding contribution to public administration and policy in the world.
Productivity Research Launch: Wealth of the Nation
The David Hume Institute’s report on Scottish productivity was joint-funded by the Scottish Policy Foundation and Baillie Gifford, with modelling undertaken by the Fraser of Allander Institute.
This event was the launch of the David Hume Institute's latest research into Scottish productivity. The report was joint-funded by the Scottish Policy Foundation and Baillie Gifford, with modelling undertaken by the Fraser of Allander Institute.
After outlining Scotland's productivity challenge, the report aims to bring fresh insights to the Scottish economic policy debate by detailing five evidence-based stories of what has worked in comparable places. We want to set expectations for what can be achieved here in Scotland, whatever our constitutional future, by showing how it has been done elsewhere.
The launch features Professor Josef Konvitz, former head of regulatory policy at the OECD, and Professor Graeme Roy from the Fraser of Allander Institute in conversation with the author of the report, David Hume Institute Director Jane-Frances Kelly.