Helping Scotland understand the economy and the choices that shape future prosperity
The David Hume Institute is Scotland's independent research institute dedicated to improving understanding of Scotland’s economy and society through independent research, evidence and public conversation.
We bring together different perspectives, challenge established thinking and explore the connections between economic and social issues. Our work is designed to inform public debate and encourage action towards a more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive and fair Scotland.
Our mission
To improve understanding of Scotland’s economy and society, and encourage informed debate and action on the issues that shape people’s lives.
We do this by:
conducting rigorous, independent research
making evidence and complex issues easier to understand
listening to and learning from people across Scottish society
bringing different perspectives together
challenging established thinking and power structures
connecting research with public discussion and practical action.
At the heart of our work are the people of Scotland.
What we explore
The economy
We take a broad view of Scotland’s economy, exploring the issues and trends that influence prosperity, opportunity and people’s everyday lives.
Society
Economic questions do not exist in isolation. They are connected to how people live, work and participate in society.
Our research explores those connections and seeks to understand the economic and social forces shaping Scotland.
Policy
Good policy depends on good evidence and informed debate.
We seek to increase understanding of how people, communities, institutions and the economy interact, contributing evidence and ideas to policy discussions.
How we work
Research
We undertake and commission rigorous research into contemporary economic and social questions.
We value evidence, curiosity and intellectual independence.
Listen
Research is stronger when it is informed by people's experiences.
We engage with people from different backgrounds, genders and ages, and seek to bring a wide range of voices into our work.
Connect
We create opportunities for researchers, policymakers, businesses, communities and the wider public to come together.
Our events and projects provide space for different perspectives to be heard and tested.
Challenge
We are not afraid to question established thinking or examine the assumptions behind current approaches.
We believe respectful disagreement and diversity of thought can lead to better understanding.
Encourage action
Our purpose is not research for its own sake.
We seek to use research, evidence and conversation to encourage action on the contemporary issues facing Scotland.
What makes DHI different?
Independent
We are an independent, non-profit research institute and are not aligned with any political party or party of any other institution.
Scottish
Our focus is Scotland: its economy, society, institutions, communities and people.
Evidence-led
We are committed to rigorous, impartial, evidence-based research and analysis.
Open
We believe in respectful debate and the value of hearing different perspectives.
Connected
We bring research and people together, creating conversations across sectors, generations and experiences.
Curious
We ask questions, examine evidence and remain open to learning.
Our values
Our work is shaped by five values:
Curious - We ask questions and explore new ideas.
Inclusive - We listen to voices and experiences from across society.
Rigorous - We value evidence, careful analysis and intellectual honesty.
Open - We encourage respectful debate and diversity of thought.
Independent - We protect our independence and do not allow funding to determine research findings.
From research to impact
We want our work to do more than sit on a website or a shelf.
We seek to make a difference by bringing new evidence into public conversations, helping people understand complex issues, connecting people who would not otherwise be in the same conversation and encouraging fresh thinking about Scotland’s future.
Our work includes:
Research
Independent analysis of important economic and social questions.
Understanding Scotland
Evidence about how people experience and perceive Scotland’s economy and trends affecting it.
Events and debate
Opportunities for people with different perspectives to listen, question and learn from each other.
Projects and engagement
Collaborative work that takes research beyond publication and into wider communities.
Public understanding
Making research accessible to people beyond academia and specialist policy audiences.
How we measure our impact
We are interested not only in what we publish, but in what happens next.
For our major projects, we seek to understand:
who engaged with the research
what new evidence it brought into the debate
what conversations it generated
what questions it changed or challenged
and where there is evidence of action or further work as a result.
We will continue to make this impact more visible.
Our independence
The David Hume Institute is a charity and non-profit organisation funded by donations.
We receive support from a range of organisations for specific research projects and for our core work. We do not accept funding that requires a particular research result or compromises our independence and neutrality.
Our publications are freely available to the public, and the majority of our events are free to attend and available to watch afterwards.
Why David Hume?
The Institute was established in 1985 and takes its name from the Scottish philosopher and historian David Hume.
Our founders were inspired by Hume’s tradition of sceptical enquiry and his willingness to question received wisdom. They also valued the role of discourse and debate in developing ideas.
That spirit remains central to DHI today: ask questions, examine evidence, listen to different perspectives and be prepared to challenge established thinking.
We also recognise that Hume expressed racist views in some of his writings. We reject those views. Our commitment today is to inclusive, open and respectful enquiry.
Support independent research and debate
DHI is funded by people and organisations who share our commitment to independent, evidence-based research, thoughtful discussion and reasoned debate.
Your support helps us ask important questions, generate new evidence, bring people together and make research accessible to wider audiences.
OSCR Registration
As a charity, we are registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator and complete annual returns in compliance with our legal duties under charity law.