independent, radical, progressive

the institute for public policy research at 21

At 21, ippr has established itself as one of the most influential think tanks in British politics. Our work has always been driven by a belief in the importance of fairness, democracy and sustainability. Working with all parties and from all parts of the United Kingdom, ippr prides itself on its independence and influence across political divides.

But, at a time of economic and political crisis, it is clear we now need more radical thinking to take this agenda forward.

Through our new Global Change and Citizens, Society and Economy programmes we are anticipating and shaping responses to the economic and political challenges faced by the UK.
 

21 years of influence

Best known for our influential work in Whitehall and Westminster, we work now in more than 25 countries around the world and have pioneered think tank research and engagement in local communities. Our approach starts by identifying the policy issues that matter, and then carrying out rigorous and innovative research - locally, nationally and globally.

We pride ourselves on a track record of smart ideas and practical solutions based on sound evidence, using these to stimulate debates at all levels of society around the most important policy areas, and engaging with those holding power and influence so that new thinking can be put into practice.

our values

As an independent, radical and progressive think tank we are committed to the following principles:

Combating inequality

Not just through distributing some of the proceeds of growth to the least well off, but by taking active steps to share power, opportunity, income and wealth much more evenly.

Empowering citizens

Not simply by handing down responsibility from the state, but giving people real power, security and resources to shape and control their destiny.

Promoting social responsibility

Not treating people as atomised individuals, but recognising that society is made up of interdependent individuals, who flourish because of the ties and networks that support them.

Creating a sustainable economy

Not only through better regulated financial markets that move away from greed and debt, but through a commitment to a low carbon, less consumerist and more inclusive prosperity which helps alleviate the plight of the global poor and protects the future of our planet.

Revitalising democracy  

Not just through sweeping away outmoded practices at Westminster, but by radically transforming democratic processes and establishing new ways of doing politics at local and national levels, in Europe and internationally.

Citizens, society and economy

The society we live in has changed in important ways, meaning that progressives need to interpret the world afresh, apply our values to new problems and generate fresh thinking and proposals for change. 

Over the last decade, the UK's economic model delivered high employment rates and increased public revenues that government used to invest in public services and reduce poverty. But the subsequent economic crisis has shown that this model was ultimately unsustainable, and left some major social problems of our time unaddressed. Moreover, the priority policymakers have given to economic growth is being questioned, given powerful evidence that it is neither the best route to promoting human well-being nor sustainable in environmental terms.

Globalisation has created losers as well as winners, has driven vast income inequalities, and left the demands of work and family life increasingly at odds. At the same time our population has become increasingly diverse, enriching our culture and contributing to our prosperity, but also presenting us with the new challenges and tensions.

Progressives have typically sought to achieve social change by deploying the levers of the central state. But there are limits to what can be achieved through state intervention alone. Many of the challenges we face in terms of health, education and crime, require families, communities and individuals to play a much greater role. At the same time we know that levels of community participation and civic engagement are at all time lows.

These major challenges facing policy-makers today will inform ippr's research priorities in this area.

Global change

The society, environment and economy we live in today are deeply affected by what is happening around the world. The UK has historically had an open economy, with strong international trade and investment links. Despite the crisis, London is still one of the world’s leading financial centres, and at the same time Europe’s most multicultural city. British society more widely has been transformed over the last 50 years by successive waves of migrants, bringing new ideas, cultures and faiths.

At the same time, the UK’s place in the world is changing. Our history and our membership of the EU give us some important opportunities to shape global processes and we have a significant voice in many key global institutions, such as the G8, the G20, the UN Security Council and the IMF. But the shift in power from West to East will profoundly affect our place in the world, as will the fallout from the bursting of the credit bubble.

And while many in the UK have gained considerably economically, socially and culturally from globalisation, it has also brought risks and new threats. Some citizens have fared less well in an increasingly globalised economy, which has driven greater inequality. Being at the centre of global financial markets has meant we have been particularly badly hit by the financial crisis. We are more vulnerable to disease, crime and terrorism, which have also successfully globalised. And globalisation has accelerated the growth of carbon emissions that are driving the biggest global problem of all – climate change.

What this means for us

ippr’s Global Change programme seeks solutions to the challenges we face as a result of these trends. Its focus is both the impact of UK policies or actions on global issues and the impact of global issues on the UK. Reflecting ippr’s core values, the aim of the programme is to produce research to inform policies that can drive global change that is sustainable, fair, democratic and secure for all.

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