The Fraser of Allander Institute, Scotland's leading independent economic research institute, has been busy over the summer as the new investment in the Institute gathers pace.
The Institute celebrated its 40th anniversary at a reception in the Scottish Parliament in February this year and to mark the occasion the Principal announced a major expansion of its economic research capabilities. Since then, we have already seen widespread recognition of the 'increasingly influential' Fraser of Allander as it seeks to provide decision-makers, the media and the public with even greater leading-edge independent economic analysis than before.
The 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.
Professor Graeme Roy, a past Senior Economic Adviser and Head of the First Minister's Policy Unit in the Scottish Government, is the Institute's new Director. He has been joined by some of the brightest and most talented early career researchers in Scotland to complement the existing highly experienced and respected FAI team.
One of the new members of the team, David Eiser, has been appointed Expert Independent Adviser to the Scottish Parliament's powerful cross-party Finance and Constitution Committee.
The Institute has established a new blog - www.fraserofallander.org - which in a few short months has become established as a 'must-read' for policymakers and those with an interest in the Scottish economy.
The revamped Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary was published in July alongside a survey of business expectations post the EU referendum. The Institute followed this up with a major report for the Scottish Parliament on the potential long-term impacts of different Brexit outcomes, ranging from retaining full membership of the European Union Single Market through to more informal trading relationships. The impartiality and evidence-based work of the Institute has helped to bring some clarity and independent insight into the often highly charged debate over Brexit.
In September, the Institute published its first Scotland's Budget: 2016 report at an event in Edinburgh attended by leaders from across the business and public sector communities. The new report, now to be an annual event, was supported by the Scottish Funding Council and set out the outlook, challenges and opportunities for the Scottish Government when setting its Budget for the year ahead. The report attracted widespread media coverage and has become established within policymaking circles as the definitive guide to Scotland's public finances.
The Institute plans to build on these recent developments with a number of new initiatives in the months ahead. To keep up to date and to engage with the work of the Institute follow them on twitter at @Strath_FAI or email fraser@strath.ac.uk