The Productivity Institute

What should the Autumn Budget do to boost productivity? Over the next week, The Productivity Institute will share five practical, evidence-based recommendations for raising investment, improving living standards and supporting long-term growth. #Budget2026

TPI Budget Priority 4: Focus on investment quality, not quantity. Not all investment delivers the same benefits. We’re calling for a focus on investment that boosts productivity, skills and supply chains, and helps transform local economies. #Budget2026 @nigeldriffield.bsky.social

TPI Budget Priority 5: Make trading with the EU easier. Cutting complex rules and regulatory barriers could boost UK trade and productivity. TPI research suggests mutual recognition could increase exports in key sectors by nearly 10%. Read more from Jun Du: jundu1.substack.com/p/the-car-th...

TPI Budget Priority 2: Stop taxing productive investment: The UK needs more business investment, not added costs for firms that invest in new machinery, equipment and productivity-enhancing upgrades. Productivity grows when businesses invest. #Budget2026

TPI Budget Priority 3: Give regions the tools to improve productivity: Better local decision-making depends on better local evidence. Our third #Budget2026 priority calls for stronger analytical capacity and a common framework for measuring productivity performance.

productivity.ac.ukWhat Should the UK Budget Do to Boost Productivity? - The Productivity InstituteNigel Driffield discusses what the UK Budget should prioritise to boost productivity. Exploring investment, exports, regional growth, skills and devolution.

"If the UK Government is serious about raising long-term productivity, the Budget should move beyond making short-term tax changes and address the structural weaknesses highlighted by the research" Read @nigeldriffield.bsky.social's latest blog: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/what-sh... #Budget2026

TPI Budget Priority 1: count health’s contribution to productivity. Assess health spending against employment and earnings, and target support where health-related inactivity is highest. A healthier workforce means a stronger economy. #Budget2026 @lukemunford.bsky.social @domignon.bsky.social

productivity.ac.ukLook inside, look around, look beyond: From productivity gaps to adaptive capacity - The Productivity InstituteJun Du reflects on insights from TPI's 2026 conference on how firms, places and the UK economy can adapt to drive productivity growth.

What should productivity research focus on next? In a new blog, Professor Jun Du explores how firms, places and economies adapt to change by looking inside organisations, around networks and beyond the UK. Read the blog: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/look-in... #Productivity #EconomicGrowth

productivity.ac.ukThe options are familiar. The world around them is not. - The Productivity InstituteTen years after Brexit, what do we know about its impact on UK productivity? Jun Du explores the evidence and the changing UK-EU landscape.

Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, what do we know about its impact on trade, investment & productivity in the current global context? Jun Du explores the debate as questions about the UK's future relationship with Europe return to the agenda. Read more: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/the-opt...

productivity.ac.ukThe Productivity Institute Annual Review 2025-26 - The Productivity InstituteThe Productivity Institute’s review of its fifth year, covering 2025-26, details the progress made for inclusive growth.

The Productivity Institute’s Annual Review 2025/26 is out now, highlighting a year of research, policy influence and impact. Read the review and our two summary blogs on the policy and regional agendas: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/the...

productivity.ac.ukWhat Does the Evidence Say About Devolution and UK Productivity? - The Productivity InstituteWhat impact does devolution have on UK productivity? This evidence review examines fiscal decentralisation, the Manchester Model and Andy Burnham's plans.

Can devolution help improve productivity within the UK? A recent TPI blog explores the relationship between devolved decision-making and productivity. Read the full blog here: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/what-do...

productivity.ac.ukProductivity and Responsible AI in Adult Social Care - The Productivity InstituteThis paper examines how AI can be responsibly harnessed to enhance productivity in England’s adult social care sector.

Andy Burnham's social care plans raise a key challenge: meeting growing demand despite workforce and funding pressures. Research from Joel Hoskins and @bartvanark.bsky.social explores the UK's long-term social care productivity challenge. Read the research: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/pro...

productivity.ac.ukMore than just Plug and Play: Early Evidence on Organisational Capital and AI Adoption - The Productivity InstituteNew evidence shows how management practices, particularly performance measurement, are linked to AI adoption among UK firms.

Why do some firms adopt AI faster than others? New @escoeorg.bsky.social research suggests the answer may lie in management quality, particularly performance measurement practices. Read the full paper here: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/mor... @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social

productivity.ac.ukConference September 2026 - The Productivity InstituteExplore insights from The Productivity Institute Conference 2026, featuring academic research and policy debate on productivity, innovation and growth.

Explore the new TPI Academic and Policy Conference 2026 webpage, bringing together papers, presentation slides and discussion summaries from across the conference. Visit the webpage here: www.productivity.ac.uk/news-media/c...

21 Sept

A big thank you to all our researchers across The Productivity Institute this Postdoc Appreciation Week! Your knowledge, commitment and hard work are central to our research and the wider TPI community. We greatly appreciate everything you do.

britishchambers.org.ukAfter SPS: the EU trade barrier that needs fixing next - British Chambers of CommerceEAC member, Prof. Jun Du, explains how to solve the UK trade barriers with the EU.

16 Sept

What should the UK and EU tackle next to reduce barriers to goods trade? In a new @britishchambers.bsky.social, Jun Du draws on TPI research to explore how technical trade barriers and duplicated regulations are affecting UK–EU goods trade. Read the blog: www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/09...

Today we're bringing together policymakers, business leaders and researchers in Manchester for the joint Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and The Productivity Institute Policy Conference. Discussions are focused on place, skills, innovation, investment and the long-term drivers of UK growth.

Innovation, investment and risk were at the heart of this afternoon's panel. From @teraallas.bsky.social and Stephen Roper's research on the UK's investment gap to examples of innovation success like Atom Valley, the discussion explored what it takes to turn ambition into productivity growth.

As the Conference comes to a close, a clear theme has emerged: connectivity. From 5G and digital infrastructure to connecting businesses with the right people, networks and opportunities, stronger connections help drive productivity. Thanks to everyone who joined us in Manchester.

What does it take to help businesses start up and scale up across the UK? Today's panel explored the importance of talent, investment, infrastructure, confidence and strong local ecosystems, with insights from business, academia and innovation leaders.

Skills are central to the UK's growth ambitions. This afternoon began with a panel exploring how employers, educators and policymakers can work together to build the workforce needed for future growth, with discussion on investment, upskilling and aligning skills provision with industry needs.

What makes places thrive? Today's discussion on place and industrial strategy explored how national ambitions for growth need to be shaped by local strengths, opportunities and capabilities. An insightful session on the role of place in productivity and prosperity.

We've rounded off Day 1 of The Productivity Institute Academic Conference with a panel discussion exploring the future of productivity research. Thanks to Jun Du, @teraallas.bsky.social, @gilesyb.bsky.social, @bartvanark.bsky.social and Luke Mackle for sharing their insights.

Breakout sessions have now wrapped up at the TPI Academic Conference, with delegates moving into the final panel discussion of the day. Plenty of insightful research, lively debate and new connections so far.

Today's keynote address came from @francoislafond.bsky.social who shared insights on innovation, technological change and the future direction of productivity research.

A strong start to the TPI Academic Conference today, with Professor Jun Du opening a day of discussion, debate and new research on productivity. Great to welcome colleagues from across the UK and beyond to Manchester.

productivity.ac.ukThe boom in the denominator: what the UK’s productivity revival is actually made of - The Productivity InstituteUK productivity growth has improved, but ONS data shows why labour input and working hours complicate claims that UK firms have become more productive.

28 Aug

Has UK productivity finally turned a corner? In a new blog, Professor Jun Du explores what sits behind the latest ONS figures and why apparent gains may not tell the whole story. Read the blog here: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/the-boo...

productivity.ac.ukTwin Transition and Productivity Growth: why intangible capital matters - The Productivity InstituteThis paper examines how digital skills, green tasks and intangible capital shape labour productivity growth across 16 OECD countries.

28 Aug

New research finds that the twin green and digital transition boosts productivity most when supported by intangible capital, particularly assets outside national accounts. Read the full paper here: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/twi...

productivity.ac.ukDigital skill demand by region and industry in the UK - The Productivity InstituteThis paper uses job advert data to examine regional digital skills demand in the UK, including AI skills and strategically important industries.

27 Aug

Advanced digital and AI skill demand is concentrated around London’s Golden Triangle, while everyday digital skills are growing across the UK. New research with @niesrorg.bsky.social highlights important regional and industry differences. Read the paper here: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/dig...

resolutionfoundation.orgThe Macroeconomic Policy Outlook: Q3 2026 • Resolution FoundationOn the whole, the 2020s has been a disastrous decade for UK productivity growth. But an under-discussed revival appears to be underway. While the much-maligned Labour Force Survey’s headline number is...

24 Aug

Could UK productivity be growing faster than official estimates suggest? TPI’s Professor @nigeldriffield.bsky.social joined Times Radio to discuss new Resolution Foundation research, productivity measurement, technology and investment. Read more: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...

The Productivity Institute reposted

ESCoE

@escoeorg.bsky.social

20 Aug

Read about ESCoE work on measuring productivity, innovation and business dynamics, in collaboration with partners including @productivity.bsky.social, @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk, @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social and many more: tinyurl.com/5enrtt5s

Financial Times@financialtimes.com

UK finally showing signs of productivity boost, say economists ft.trib.al/gvPVGDt

ft.trib.alUK finally showing signs of productivity boost, say economistsBetter output figures are a fillip to chancellor John Healey and come after years of underperformance

productivity.ac.ukAre pro-productivity policies effective? Evidence from cross-country historical data - The Productivity InstituteThis paper examines how public policies, institutions, skills, markets, R&D, trade and environmental measures shape productivity across advanced economies.

24 Aug

Recent research by Cecilia Jona-Lasinio, Giuseppe Nicoletti and Océane Vernerey finds that government policies can support productivity, with the right priorities varying between economies. Read the paper: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/are...

productivity.ac.ukOrganisational capital, ICT and productivity in the digital age - The Productivity InstituteThis study explores how organisational capital and ICT investment interact to boost labour productivity, especially in digitally intensive industries.

19 Aug

Digital tools may support productivity more effectively when firms also invest in how work is organised. A new paper suggests in-house organisational capabilities can play an important role in helping firms get more from adopted tools. Read the full paper here: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/org...

productivity.ac.ukArtificial Intelligence: what drives adoption in EU countries? - The Productivity InstituteUsing Eurostat enterprise survey data, this paper analyses how skills, policy, costs, demographics and business barriers shape AI adoption across the EU.

18 Aug

What drives AI adoption in EU firms? A new paper by Gilbert Cette, Giuseppe Nicoletti & Océane Vernerey finds that skills, organisational capital, innovation policy and demographics all matter, alongside barriers such as data and expertise. Read the full paper: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/art...

jobs.manchester.ac.ukSenior Research Fellow (AI Adoption and Productivity):Manchester

11 Aug

Research opportunity: TPI is recruiting a Senior Research Fellow to lead an independent evaluation of The University of Manchester's Microsoft 365 rollout, exploring the impact of AI on productivity across staff and students. Read more and apply: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...

productivity.ac.ukProductivity when nothing stands still - The Productivity InstituteIn her first blog as Managing Director of The Productivity Institute, Professor Jun Du explores how the UK can adapt to economic change, technological disruption and global uncertainty, and outlines k...

5 Aug

Professor Jun Du has officially started as Managing Director of The Productivity Institute. In her first blog, she explores what productivity means in a world shaped by constant change and why it matters more than ever. Read it here: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/product...

fca.org.ukRegional financial development and growth in the UKRead our independent FCA-commissioned research exploring how UK financial services hubs relate to regional growth, productivity and SME access to finance.

5 Aug

TPI researchers contribute to new FCA-published work exploring how access to finance shapes investment, productivity and regional growth across the UK, offering evidence to inform policy discussions on long-term economic development. Read the reports here: www.fca.org.uk/publications...

bit.lyPlaces Campaign: Summary and Insights - The Productivity InstituteHow can places boost productivity and prosperity? This report explores how investment in local capital assets can support inclusive growth across UK communities.

1/3 Phase one of our Investment in Productive Places Campaign is now complete. Over the past months we've explored what it takes to drive productivity growth across the UK's regions and nations. Read the summary insights paper: bit.ly/4zc08kW

bit.lyImproving Productivity in Places: what to include in a Local Growth Plan - The Productivity InstituteDiscover how Local Growth Plans can boost productivity, attract investment and support inclusive growth through place-based strategies tailored to local strengths.

2/3 No two places are the same, and neither are the routes to growth. In our latest blog, we explore the ingredients that matter most when developing local growth plans, drawing on evidence from across the campaign. Read the blog: bit.ly/459KAjN

bit.lyInvestment in Places - The Productivity InstituteThe Investment in Productive Places Campaign supports locations across the UK to strengthen their economies, raise productivity and improve wellbeing.

3/3 From Rochdale to Newport, Great Yarmouth to South Tyneside, our Investment in Productive Places campaign has explored how local assets, institutions and investment can support productivity and wellbeing. Explore all reports and resources: bit.ly/4cmdGQP

AI is becoming part of everyday work, but its productivity impact will depend on whether it can create lasting gains. In this Productivity Puzzles episode, @bartvanark.bsky.social discusses this with Martin Baily and @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social. Listen here: www.productivity.ac.uk/podcast/the-...

productivity.ac.ukProductivity, Place and the Power of Alignment: Reflections on Six Years at TPI - The Productivity InstituteBart van Ark reflects on six years at The Productivity Institute, exploring productivity, place, policy alignment and the value of collaboration.

31 July

@bartvanark.bsky.social reflects on his time at TPI, the community it has built, and the importance of aligning research, policy and business. A big thank you to Bart for all his work and leadership at TPI. Read his farewell blog: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/product...

The Productivity Institute reposted

21 July

Call for papers: The Productivity Institute Academic Conference 2026 Researchers are invited to submit draft papers or extended abstracts by 31 July 2026. This is a chance to share research and engage with fellow academics. See the conference website below for submission and attendance details.

productivity.ac.ukFraming a place-based investment strategy for Walsall - The Productivity InstituteWalsall’s productivity lags behind the West Midlands and UK averages. But its long-term growth rate outpaces the region and is catching up.

28 July

Walsall is catching up on productivity, but accelerating growth will require investment in both economic assets and social foundations. New research from The Productivity Institute explores the priorities for inclusive and sustainable growth: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/fra...

productivity.ac.ukPublic investment and supply - The Productivity InstituteIn this paper, we investigate the link between public investment and output in the United Kingdom.

24 July

Public investment can play an important role in supporting economic growth. In a new working paper, Paula Bejarano Carbó, Benjamin Caswell and Stephen Millard explore how productive public investment contributes to UK output. Read the full paper here: www.productivity.ac.uk/research/pub...

23 July

Manchester's economic transformation is attracting national attention. This BBC report explores the city's growth story, featuring productivity data from The Productivity Institute: bit.ly/45hBUI1 Learn more about the research behind the evidence through our Manchester Model project: bit.ly/3TPMWlf

21 July

productivity.ac.ukThe Productivity Institute Academic Conference 2026 - The Productivity InstituteThis year's conference will explore frontier questions for the next wave of productivity research, with sessions covering trade and global value chains, investment, place, workforce skills, and innova...

21 July

TPI Conference website: www.productivity.ac.uk/the-producti...

bit.lyManchester Model - The Productivity InstituteWhat can Greater Manchester's economic performance tell us about UK growth? Explore evidence and analysis on productivity, investment, governance, trade and regional development from The Productivity ...

17 July

What can the ‘Manchester Model’ teach us about UK productivity and growth? New TPI research highlights strengths in productivity, investment and governance, but key questions remain around earnings, diffusion and transferability. Read more and join the conversation: bit.ly/4webVNC