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
Shattered Nation: how to save Britain from becoming a failed state
Professor Danny Dorling, the Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at University of Oxford joined us in Edinburgh to preview his new book “Shattered Nation: Inequality and the Geography of a Failing State".
Past event: 23rd August 2023
What needs to be done to stop Britain becoming a failed state and is Scotland providing some answers?
Professor Danny Dorling, the Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at University of Oxford joined us in Edinburgh to preview his new book “Shattered Nation: Inequality and the Geography of a Failing State".
This event explored how Britain lost its role as Europe’s leading economy, made itself one of the most unequal countries and whether policies such as the Scottish Child Payment, universal free school meals and the absence of university tuition fees in Scotland are preventing things getting worse.
In "Shattered Nation," Dorling discusses the need for progressive plans for change to help us tackle inequality, social and political polarisation as well as the economic challenges and repeated crises that have left so many struggling to afford decent housing and the basics of a good life.
The session was chaired by Assa Samaké-Roman, a journalist and newspaper columnist from France who lives in Edinburgh. Assa covers Scotland's politics, culture and society for the French-speaking media (Radio France Internationale, Radio-Télévision Suisse, Le Figaro, Politis). She is also the co-founder and editor of La Revue Écossaise, a new francophone magazine about Scotland's ideas, culture, history and politics.
This event was supported by News Direct.
Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker May 2023
Find out more about our Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker discussion from May 2023.
This in-person event discussed the latest insights from the Understanding Scotland quarterly survey of economic attitudes and expectations and was hosted by Ashurst.
Our 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 providing vital information for decision-makers across all sectors. We then heard reflections from Junaid Ashraf of the Scottish Asian Business Chamber and Victoria Carson from The Wise Group.
Mark Diffley is a researcher and political pollster with over 20 years’ experience. He founded The Diffley Partnership in 2017. The company delivers research, insight and evidence-led recommendations for clients across the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and further afield.
Junaid Ashraf is co-founder of the Scottish Asian Business Chamber, an organisation established with the support of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce to improve ethnic minority inclusion in the wider business community. He is formerly a Councillor in North Lanarkshire and a race equality advocate based in Scotland.
Victoria Carson is Director of Engagement at leading social enterprise, the Wise Group. Prior to the Wise Group she led the Scotland Office of the General Medical Council and has held senior roles at the British Library and the Care Quality Commission.
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.
Scotland's land information system: what is it and why it matters
This event is hosted jointly by the David Hume Institute and Built Environment Forum Scotland to discuss a new report written by land reform expert Andy Wightman about ScotLIS, Scotland’s land information system.
Past event: 8th March 2023
Scotland’s land information system: what is it and why it matters
On Wednesday 8th March 2023 the David Hume Institute and Built Environment Forum Scotland hosted a webinar to discuss a new report about Scotland’s land information system, written by land reform expert Andy Wightman.
Andy Wightman, writer, researcher and former member of the Scottish Parliament was joined by Professor Stewart Brymer, solicitor and Honorary Professor in law at the University of Dundee to discuss why the lack of a fully functioning land and building information system is holding Scotland back. The event was chaired by Ailsa Macfarlane, Director of the Built Environment Forum Scotland.
Information about land is used everyday by businesses, policy-makers, academics and ordinary citizens. This information ranges from land ownership to valuation, from energy efficiency ratings to building types and from vegetation cover to flood risks.
All of this information exists in some form, however much of it is not easily available and virtually none of it is made available in an integrated form. As the impacts of climate change intensify, there is even greater need for more timely, more comprehensive and more accessible information about land and buildings in Scotland.
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.
From imagination to action: the future of Scotland's natural economy
The David Hume Institute was joined by Professor Wayne Powell, CEO and Principal of SRUC, and Fran van Dijk, CEO of One Stone Advisors, Chair of Macaulay Development Trust and Deputy Chair of SEPA to explore what needs done to achieve rapid growth in the Scotland’s natural economy.
Past Event: 5th September 2022
Almost a year on from COP26, organisations across Scotland are seeing enormous potential to harness innovation in diverse sectors. From agri-food to forestry and green finance, growing our natural economy and contributing in practical ways to tackling the twin climate change and biodiversity crises.
The David Hume Institute was joined by Professor Wayne Powell, CEO and Principal of SRUC, and Fran van Dijk, CEO of One Stone Advisors, Chair of Macaulay Development Trust and Deputy Chair of SEPA to explore what needs done to achieve rapid growth in the Scotland’s natural economy.
Wayne and Fran discussed the potential of applied R&D in areas like vertical farming and emissions capture to transform business, the steps Scotland must take and the challenges it will face to transition in the years ahead.
If you missed this free online event, catch up with the recording above.
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.