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Our quarterly economic tracker from a panel of over 40,000 people in Scotland reveals green shoots of optimism appearing
New research investigating the Great Risk Transfer and the changed relationship between employers and employees. What are the implications for financial wellbeing?
Latest in the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker series reveals and mixed picture of public opinion of the Economy.
Our latest quarterly economy tracker reveals a continuing stark picture of public opinion on the economy.
The Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker, marks its second birthday, showing many Scots continue to take extreme measures to navigate turbulent economic times.
Professor Stewart Brymer makes the case for why a review of the Scottish Home Report is needed and how it will benefit the overall aim of delivering a better built environment in Scotland – which is itself integral to economic development
Research shows extreme cost-saving behaviours in how Scots shop, eat and live are likely to have a disastrous long-term effect on the nation’s health.
The most recent data from the David Hume Institute and Diffley Partnership’s regular economy tracker reveals a mixed picture of public opinion on the economy: 62% of Scots think general economic conditions will be worse in a years’ time and 45% think their personal financial situation will be worse in a years’ time.
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.
Is a digital wallet for skills critical missing infrastructure for both employers and individuals? This discussion paper explores if a digital wallet for skills in Scotland can save both time and money, and ultimately help the economy to thrive.
New research on economic attitudes and behaviours has revealed widespread pessimism about Scotland’s economic outlook.
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,
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.
DHI launched Whats Your Action after listening to over 4,500 people across Scotland in the largest inter-generational polling and research exercise in the last 5 years.
The research, which included nationwide polling and group conversations, showed people in Scotland are taking action to be kinder, care for the environment and being more conscious about how and where they spend their money, among a host of other actions.
Five years on from the David Hume Institute’s first analysis of Scotland’s top leaders, research shows some sectors have made progress towards being more representative of the population but leaders need to do more to champion diversity in the top positions.
In 2015 the Welsh Assembly Government passed the Well-being of Future Generations Act and appointed Sophie Howe as the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales in 2016.
A cross party campaign has now been launched, led by Lord Bird, proposing a UK version of the Bill.
Who will do the jobs? examined the labour market in Scotland and mentioned the recommendation from the Sustainable Growth Commission, that Scotland could learn from the approach Denmark has taken to its labour market. This briefing examines the Danish labour market and their model of Flexicurity in more detail.
This report discusses the challenges facing Scotland with changes to migration patterns and a shortage of workers. What can we do to meet the labour supply challenges in Scotland. Who will do the jobs?
Scottish productivity has all but stalled in the last fifteen years and a turnaround is required if future living standards are to improve. This report makes recommendations for government, policymakers, business and trade unions, based on the conclusions of new research and case studies.