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An initiative launched by The Productivity Institute in response to the UK government’s focus on economic growth, net zero, and better healthcare. We recognise that productivity is a key driver for achieving these missions.
The Productivity Policy Unit (PPU) ultimately aims to inform and influence the policy debate on productivity. The goal is to see our work have a tangible impact on policy decisions and improve living standards across the UK and in its first 6 months the PPU will focus on Industrial Strategy, Local growth plans and regional opportunities; the Skills Agenda; Public Sector Productivity; and Business Support and Knowledge Diffusion.
Led by Professor Andy Westwood, the PPU bridges the gap between research and policy action by translating the Institute’s research into concrete policy ideas. Our team of experienced researchers and policy experts, including Professor Dame Diane Coyle, Professor Stephen Roper, and Professor Nigel Driffield, work with policymakers, thought leaders, and researchers to develop and advocate for pro-productivity policies.
Pro-productivity policies are strategies that help economies get more done with the resources they have—like workers, equipment, and technology. Since the 2010s, many countries have seen a slowdown in how fast they’re improving productivity. To turn this around, policies are needed that encourage investment in things like new technology, better training for workers, and smarter public services. Working smarter, spreading innovation faster, and making sure people and systems are equipped to keep up are crucial to boost productivity growth. Stronger institutions and global collaboration can also help countries learn from each other and adapt more effectively over time.
The Productivity Commission is the policy arm of The Productivity Institute and regularly meets to discuss ongoing policy questions throughout the UK.
It is an independent academic forum for the development of research-based policies and a focal point for Whitehall initiatives. The Commission aims to develop and support a new constituency to support the national debate on productivity and promoting robust and consistent policies to address the UK’s chronic productivity shortfall.
The Commission aims to understand the policy implications of research produced by The Productivity Institute and elsewhere, as well as develop strong institutional links with government and other national bodies. It was launched on 16 September, 2021 by our partner NIESR.
The first evidence review can be accessed on NIESR’s website.
The publication UK Productivity Commission Priorities for 2023 was released on 19 January 2023, which sets out some questions for the year, with particular focus on investment.
The Commissioners are:
Professor Jagjit Chadha NIESR (chair)
Professor Bart van Ark The University of Manchester
Professor Alan Barrett Economic and Social Research Institute
Professor Gillian Bristow University of Cardiff
Professor Diane Coyle Bennett Institute of Public Policy, Cambridge
Dawn Holland Moody’s Analytics and Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones Ulster University
Rachel Lomax Formerly HMT and BoE
Stephen Millard NIESR
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli University of Glasgow
Professor Adrian Pabst NIESR
Dr. Dirk Pilat The Productivity Institute
Professor Sir Chris Pissarides London School of Economics
Professor Tony Venables University of Manchester
Professor Jackie Wahba University of Southampton
Professor Stian Westlake Royal Statistical Society
Professor Andy Westwood University of Manchester
Professor Cecilia Wong University of Manchester
