When governments talk of increasing productivity and economic growth, are they focusing sufficiently on the challenges posed by an unhappy workforce or the hours lost in contract disputes?  This new discussion paper argues that, although improving levels of  trust can take time, it is time well spent as it saves resources in the long term.

A new commissioned paper in partnership with Built Environment Forum Scotland, written by Andy Wightman, discusses Scotland’s land information system and why it is a key piece of critical infrastructure.

The latest insights from our quarterly economic survey reveal a stark differences in experience of the Scotland’s economy.

How many people have the knowledge and time to manage the financial risks they face in life? To what extent does it matter? Find out more in our latest research about the Great Risk Transfer.

New research shows 80% of people have already cut down on leisure and/or non-essentials, over a quarter of people are skipping or cutting down on meals to save money and 1 in 3 Scots now losing sleep due to financial stress,

A new survey produced in partnership between the David Hume Institute and the Diffley Partnership has revealed widespread anxiety about Scotland’s economic outlook.

Our recent research project in partnership with the William Grant Foundation used open data to gain new insights into Scotland’s communities. Case studies of Buckhaven, Campbeltown and Stranraer highlight some of the risks involved if decisions are made on only one type of data, and how combining qualitative and quantitative data provides deeper understanding.

An open data culture leads to improved government, economic growth, insight, and a more participatory democracy. However, despite the benefits demonstrated by those leading the way in open data, Scotland is moving at a glacial pace and the gap with other countries is widening.

The David Hume Institute measures the diversity of Scotland’s top leaders. For the first time in our analysis this includes the leaders of the top 300 charities by income. Read the research here.

Life is now virtually impossible without high speed internet connection. This briefing paper looks at progress of the roll-out so far and what more can be done.

Read the briefing paper here.

New research into the education and diversity background of over 200 business leaders shows that faster progress is needed if Scotland’s economy is going to benefit

Click here to read the briefing paper.

A new agreement on multi-year budgeting between the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament will help long term thinking and support a more open conversation about spending plans and investment choices.

Read the briefing here.

A new report by Professor Duncan Maclennan, commissioned by the David Hume Institute, examines how the country can build forward to A Scotland of Better Places.

The David Hume Institute measures diversity of Scotland's top decision makers, including the Scottish Parliament. Diversity of thought improves an organisation’s performance. The challenges Covid brings means we need to ensure diversity across all decision makers to maximise resilience and innovation.

As the representative of people in Scotland and high-profile public servants, MSPs have a key role to play in helping the public see that leaders can come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Read the briefing here.