Latest Understanding Scotland: Economy
New research on economic attitudes and behaviours has revealed widespread pessimism about Scotland’s economic outlook.
Latest research insights from the David Hume Institute and the Diffley Partnership on economic attitudes and behaviours has revealed widespread pessimism about Scotland’s economic outlook.
The Understanding Scotland: economy survey shows that households’ are continuing to cut their spending and go without necessities, despite many attempting to boost their income in different ways.
Intentions to cut spending have increased for every good and service listed in the survey since Understanding Scotland began, posing a big challenge for the Scottish economy.
The public mood on the economy has moved dramatically in the last 12 months. Just 1 in 10 Scots think the economy works primarily in their own interests, whilst 8 in 10 think it works primarily in the interests of the wealthy.
As we enter into economic recession and the UK faces its biggest drop in living standards on record, understanding people’s perceptions and behaviours is essential for all decision-makers.
Read the press release.
Britain's Decision: Facts and Impartial Analysis for the EU Referendum
The David Hume Institute has teamed up with The Hunter Foundation and the Centre on Constitutional Change to produce a free ebook to answer voters’ questions before the EU referendum on June 23. Britain’s Decision – Facts and Impartial Analysis, involves scholars socialising in European affairs from leading universities. They have identified 19 key questions that underpin the debate and they offer objective, independent analysis of these issues.
The book is edited by Ray Perman, former Director of the David Hume Institute and Charlie Jeffery, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh and a Fellow of the Centre on Constitutional Change. It also contains chapters from Professors Michael Keating, Laura Cram, David Bell, Nicola McEwen and Aileen McHarg, among others. It also has a contribution from Andrew Wilson & Kevin Pringle, making the case to remain and from Brian Monteith, putting the case for Brexit.
The David Hume Institute has teamed up with The Hunter Foundation and the Centre on Constitutional Change to produce a free ebook to answer voters’ questions before the EU referendum on June 23. Britain’s Decision – Facts and Impartial Analysis, involves scholars socialising in European affairs from leading universities. They have identified 19 key questions that underpin the debate and they offer objective, independent analysis of these issues. The book is also available as a free download from www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk and The Hunter Foundation
Elitist Scotland?
The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission in partnership with the David Hume Institute examine the background of almost 850 leaders in politics, business, the media and other areas of public life in Scotland; this report looks at the social background of the people who run Scotland.
Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn Chair, Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission
This report looks at the social background of the people who run Scotland, following up an earlier study carried out by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission looking at this issue for Great Britain as a whole. In partnership with the David Hume Institute and with the support of postgraduate researchers at the University of Edinburgh, we have examined the background of almost 850 leaders in politics, business, the media and other areas of public life in Scotland.
Internationalising Business
Professor Alf Young
Lessons from the international success of Scotch Whisky. A study on internationalising Scotland’s industry.
Professor Alf Young
Scotland are likely to miss the export target, but could learn lessons from the international success of Scotch Whisky.
The Scottish Government has virtually no chance of meeting its target to increase exports by 50% by 2017, given the rate of progress to date, the weakening in 2013 and 2014 of Scotch Whisky exports already reported by the industry and the multiplying adverse and unpredictable headwinds blowing through the global economy.
This is one of the findings of a study on internationalising Scotland’s industry written by Alf Young, Visiting Professor, International Public Policy Institute, University of Strathclyde. The paper was commissioned by the David Hume Institute, sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Association, although the views expressed are Professor Young’s.
Inequality: What can the Scottish Government do?
David Bell and David Eiser
Inequality is now an issue of global interest. It is widely believed that inequality is increasing. What can the Scottish Government do?
David Bell and David Eiser
Inequality is now an issue of global interest. It is widely believed that inequality is increasing and that it is both a bad thing in itself and presents an obstacle to economic growth. This topic also played a key role in the election campaign. The Scottish Government has argued that additional fiscal powers will present it with the opportunity to slow down, or perhaps reverse, recent trends in inequality. This lecture explored the potential for the Scottish Government to influence patterns of inequality in Scotland, drawing on the worldwide debates on this issue. It presented new evidence on trends in inequality in Scotland and also placed Scotland’s policy options within the context of the differing approaches to dealing with inequality that are emerging.
Inequality in Scotland: New Perspectives
David Bell, David Eiser, Michael McGoldrick
Data from the last three decades is used to identify key economic and social trends that have influenced inequality in Scotland.
David Bell, David Eiser, Michael McGoldrick, Division of Economics, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling
This research commissioned by the David Hume Institute presents new evidence on inequality in Scotland. It uses data from the last three decades to identify key economic and social trends that have influenced inequality.
Belgian social federalism: Quo Vadis ?
Research Paper No. 3 Bea Cantillon
Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate. This conversation explores how we guarantee welfare through social security and other measures and is one of the most disputed issues in Scottish and UK politics.
Research Paper 3/ 2013 Belgian social federalism: Quo Vadis ?
Bea Cantillon
ESRC Conversation 2 – “Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate” On 18 February 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the second of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This second topic relates to how we guarantee welfare through social security and other measures and is one of the most disputed issues in Scottish and UK politics. Papers have been prepared by Professor David Bell, University of Stirling, Professor Bea Cantillon, University of Antwerp, Professor Derek Birrell, University of Ulster, Dr. Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh, Professor Ailsa McKay, Glasgow Caledonian University and Jeremy Purvis of the Devo-Plus Group.
The Current Legal and Institutional Arrangements for the Enforcement of Competition Law in the UK, and the Options and Issues Arising from Devolution
Research Paper No. 16 David Saunders
ESRC Conversation 4 “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 16. The Current Legal and Institutional Arrangements for the Enforcement of Competition Law in the UK, and the Options and Issues Arising from Devolution
David Saunders
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
Discussion Document on “Competition Policy and Regulation”
Research Paper No. 15 Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets
ESRC Conversation 4 “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 15. Discussion Document on “Competition Policy and Regulation”
Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
Regulation and Competition in the Water Industry in Scotland: Some Lessons from Experience
Research Paper No. 14 David Simpson
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 14. Regulation and Competition in the Water Industry in Scotland: Some Lessons from Experience
David Simpson
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
The Future of Economic Regulation in Scotland: an outsider’s view
Research Paper No. 13 Luis Correia da Silva
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 13. The Future of Economic Regulation in Scotland: an outsider’s view
Luis Correia da Silva
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
Utility Regulation in a Smaller System
Research Paper No. 12 Iain Osborne
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 12. 2013 Utility Regulation in a Smaller System
Iain Osborne
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
Competition and Regulatory Policy and Institutional Design for Scotland
Research Paper No. 11 Martin Cave, Jon Stern
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
Research Paper 11. Competition and Regulatory Policy and Institutional Design for Scotland”
Martin Cave, Jon Stern
ESRC Conversation 4 – “Competition Policy and Regulation: in the context of Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On the 16 May 2013 the Institute held the fourth and final ESRC-supported ‘conversation’ – this time on competition policy and regulation (of utilities, transport, etc.). Professor Martin Cave, Visiting Professor at Imperial College Business School was our lead speaker and along with Jon Stern provided an over-arching background paper.
We again commissioned a number of papers from the following authors: Professor Martin Cave (Visiting Professor at the Imperial College Business School and Vice Chair of the Competition Commission) Professor David Simpson (former DHI Trustee and former board member of WICS); Iain Osborne (remarkably experienced senior regulator – across five different sectors, and at EU, UK and devolved levels); Luis Correia da Silva (Managing Director OXERA); Dirk Janssen (the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets); Jon Stern (City University and co-author with Martin Cave); and David Saunders (Chief Executive of the UK Competition Commission).
Energy Policy and Consumers in Scotland
Research Paper No. 10 Trisha McAuley, Andrew Faulk
ESRC Conversation 3 – ”The Scottish Energy Sector: in the Context of Possible Constitutional Change in Scotland”.
Research Paper 10. Energy Policy and Consumers in Scotland
Trisha McAuley, Andrew Faulk
ESRC Conversation 3 – ”The Scottish Energy Sector: in the Context of Possible Constitutional Change in Scotland”
On 7 May 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the third of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This third topic relates to the energy sector and we have commissioned a number of papers.
Professor Mark Schaffer and colleagues at Heriot Watt cover the rapidly evolving and complex external/global energy environment and its implications for Scotland; Professors John Paterson and Greg Gordon from Aberdeen considers the oil-related issues; and Professor Kim Swales and colleagues from Strathclyde University examine the electricity issue. We also have a paper by Trisha McAuley (Director, Consumer Focus) on consumer related issues and an over-arching paper prepared by SCDI.
DHI/SCDI Energy and Constitutional Change Conversation – Oil and Gas
Research Paper 9/2013 DHI/SCDI Energy and Constitutional Change Conversation – Oil and Gas
John Paterson, Greg Gordon
2013
ESRC Conversation 3– “The Scottish Energy Sector: in the Context of Possible Constitutional Change in Scotland”. On 7 May 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the third of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This third topic relates to the energy sector and we have commissioned a number of papers. Professor Mark Schaffer and colleagues at Heriot Watt cover the rapidly evolving and complex external/global energy environment and its implications for Scotland; Professors John Paterson and Greg Gordon from Aberdeen considers the oil-related issues; and Professor Kim Swales and colleagues from Strathclyde University examine the electricity issue. We also have a paper by Trisha McAuley (Director, Consumer Focus) on consumer related issues and an over-arching paper prepared by SCDI.
Independence and the Market for Electricity in Scotland
Research Paper 8/2013 Independence and the Market for Electricity in Scotland
Grant Allan, Peter McGregor, Kim Swales
2013
ESRC Conversation 3– “The Scottish Energy Sector: in the Context of Possible Constitutional Change in Scotland”. On 7 May 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the third of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This third topic relates to the energy sector and we have commissioned a number of papers. Professor Mark Schaffer and colleagues at Heriot Watt cover the rapidly evolving and complex external/global energy environment and its implications for Scotland; Professors John Paterson and Greg Gordon from Aberdeen considers the oil-related issues; and Professor Kim Swales and colleagues from Strathclyde University examine the electricity issue. We also have a paper by Trisha McAuley (Director, Consumer Focus) on consumer related issues and an over-arching paper prepared by SCDI.
Energy Trends: Scotland and the World
Research Paper 7/2013 Energy Trends: Scotland and the World
Julian Fennema, Mark Schaffer, Karen Turner
2013
ESRC Conversation 3– ”The Scottish Energy Sector: in the Context of Possible Constitutional Change in Scotland”. On 7 May 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the third of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This third topic relates to the energy sector and we have commissioned a number of papers. Professor Mark Schaffer and colleagues at Heriot Watt cover the rapidly evolving and complex external/global energy environment and its implications for Scotland; Professors John Paterson and Greg Gordon from Aberdeen considers the oil-related issues; and Professor Kim Swales and colleagues from Strathclyde University examine the electricity issue. We also have a paper by Trisha McAuley (Director, Consumer Focus) on consumer related issues and an over-arching paper prepared by SCDI.
Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate Citizenship: choices and capabilities
Research Paper 6/2013 Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate Citizenship: choices and capabilities
James Mitchell
2013
ESRC Conversation 2 – “Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate” On 18 February 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the second of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This second topic relates to how we guarantee welfare through social security and other measures and is one of the most disputed issues in Scottish and UK politics. Papers have been prepared by Professor David Bell, University of Stirling, Professor Bea Cantillon, University of Antwerp, Professor Derek Birrell, University of Ulster, Dr. Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh, Professor Ailsa McKay, Glasgow Caledonian University and Jeremy Purvis of the Devo-Plus Group.
Welfare to Work or a Welfare System that Works? Arguing for a Citizens Basic Income in a new Scotland
Research Paper 5/2013 Welfare to Work or a Welfare System that Works? Arguing for a Citizens Basic Income in a new Scotland
Ailsa McKay
2013
ESRC Conversation 2 – “Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate” On 18 February 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the second of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This second topic relates to how we guarantee welfare through social security and other measures and is one of the most disputed issues in Scottish and UK politics. Papers have been prepared by Professor David Bell, University of Stirling, Professor Bea Cantillon, University of Antwerp, Professor Derek Birrell, University of Ulster, Dr. Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh, Professor Ailsa McKay, Glasgow Caledonian University and Jeremy Purvis of the Devo-Plus Group.
Independence and the Territorial Politics of Welfare
Research Paper 4/2013 Independence and the Territorial Politics of Welfare
Nicola McEwen
2013
ESRC Conversation 2 – “Delivering Social Security: Options in Scotland’s Constitutional Debate” On 18 February 2013 the DHI held a seminar for the second of the four ‘conversations’ on topics related to constitutional change in Scotland. This second topic relates to how we guarantee welfare through social security and other measures and is one of the most disputed issues in Scottish and UK politics. Papers have been prepared by Professor David Bell, University of Stirling, Professor Bea Cantillon, University of Antwerp, Professor Derek Birrell, University of Ulster, Dr. Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh, Professor Ailsa McKay, Glasgow Caledonian University and Jeremy Purvis of the Devo-Plus Group.