The Fraser of Allander Institute, Scotland’s leading independent economic research institute, is marking its 40th anniversary with a major new investment in the level of independent economic and fiscal analysis undertaken in Scotland.
The University of Strathclyde Business School’s Fraser of Allander Institute is set to boost its economic research capabilities to provide decision-makers, the media and the public with even greater leading-edge independent economic analysis than before.
This investment is particularly timely with the Scottish Parliament soon to assume greater tax and spending powers and the intensifying debate over the effectiveness of these powers and how best to use them.
The expansion programme will include investment in a team of new research and postgraduate fellows created to join the established team of highly respected academics and researchers in the Fraser.
A new Director Designate - Professor Graeme Roy, a past Senior Economic Adviser in the Scottish Government - will join the Institute in April 2016.
The investment will also see the creation of a new Board of Advisers, comprising leading economists with experience in business, academia and public policy. The Board will be chaired by Professor Andrew Goudie and include the Chief Economists from both the Scottish and UK governments.
The news coincides with an event at the Scottish Parliament today (February 2) to mark the Institute’s 40th anniversary.
Ahead of the event, University of Strathclyde Principal, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, described the investment as ‘a step-change’ for the Institute.
He said, "At a time when the Scottish Parliament is gaining significant new powers and responsibilities and the future of the UK’s economic and financial system is undergoing a major re-think, the need for independent economic and fiscal analysis has never been greater.
“With more than four decades of economic forecasting experience behind it, the Fraser of Allander Institute is uniquely placed to provide the independent research and analysis needed to inform public debate and decision making.
“This new investment will enable the Institute to spearhead new research into public spending and finance that will be of relevance not just in Scotland and the UK, but also internationally. I am delighted to welcome Graeme and the new Board of Advisers to Strathclyde, and look forward to the development of the Institute in the years ahead.”
It is anticipated the expanded team will offer timely analysis of the big challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish economy and the public finances, opening up public debate to a wider audience. The team will also expand its economic research services for business, industry, the third sector and government.
The Institute is renowned for its Economic Commentary, sponsored by PwC. Published three times a year, the Commentary includes forecasts, detailed analysis and extensive commentary on the Scottish economy. In addition, the Institute’s economists carry out a number of leading surveys of the economy and produces individually-tailored projects for external organisations.
The Institute is an integral part of the Department of Economics, and a key part of Strathclyde Business School, which was ranked first in Scotland and in the top ten Business Schools in the UK in the recent Research Excellence Framework.
Researchers have an international reputation in modelling regional economics with ongoing research in areas as diverse as the economics of devolution and constitutional change, energy policy, tourism and wellbeing.