UCL Policy Lab ’s Post

“What sets us against each other is not our aims - they amount to the same thing - but our methods, which are the fruit of our varied reasoning..." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery Something to remember in strategy but also, as the UK goes to the polls, in politics. The UK Labour Party has embraced some of the top line rhetoric of Mariana Mazzucato and “Mission economies”, but many of their missions are end outcomes that most political parties will say they also will deliver. So where do they disagree? Where in the method to achieve those missions do they believe they know something their opponents don’t? This is less clear and one key challenge that the incoming government must not shirk.

As Ontario’s government returns to Queen’s Park, business leaders need a clear plan to engage with policymakers. Shifts in political priorities and new policy directions mean organizations must align their efforts with government objectives to achieve meaningful outcomes.    To gain a deeper understanding of the key priorities for each political party and their implications for Canadian businesses, we invite you to explore our detailed report here: https://lnkd.in/dcJpujsQ   Don't miss the chance to stay informed and discover how Canadian businesses can effectively engage with the current political landscape. #OntarioLegislature #OntarioBusiness #CanadianEconomy #PublicPolicy #GovernmentRelations #WellingtonAdvocacy

Deconstructing the Administrative State: Implementing Conservative Policies | The Heritage Foundation Discover how the conservative movement aims to deconstruct the administrative state and implement conservative policies across the federal government. Learn about the collective effort led by The Heritage Foundation and their strategic plan to reshape the nation. #AdministrativeState #ConservativePolicies #HeritageFoundation #ReshapingGovernment #CollectiveEffort #FederalGovernment #ThinkTank #GovernmentReform #ConservativeMovement #PoliticalStrategy

How might the Conservative Party’s policy discussions shape social value in the UK? This week's The Conservative Party conference, as highlighted on BBC News, has shed light on the party's priorities as it navigates its role in opposition. With a focus on economic policy and public services, these discussions raise interesting questions about social value across the UK. What do these conversations potentially mean for communities, businesses, and the public sector in the long term? As the Conservatives emphasise economic growth and fiscal prudence, it's essential to consider how these objectives align with social value. Proposals for tax cuts and budgetary restraint could potentially impact the availability and quality of critical public services. Striking a balance between financial goals and social outcomes will be key to ensuring that support for communities remains robust. Another area of discussion is sustainability, particularly in light of the government's commitment to net zero. While economic and environmental targets can sometimes seem at odds, there are clear opportunities to integrate social value into these strategies, ensuring that green policies deliver both economic and social benefits. But will this be a priority for the Conservatives? At the Institute for Social Value (formerly Social Value UK), we maintain a politically neutral stance and advocate for policies that serve the public interest. We believe that decisions must extend beyond financial targets, embedding social impact at every level. Whether through public sector contracts or environmental initiatives, the focus must remain on outcomes that enhance societal well-being and foster long-term resilience. As the Conservative Party conference continues, one question remains: how might their policy discussions influence the future of social value in the UK? #ConservativeConference #SocialValue #EconomicGrowth #NetZero #PublicServices #SustainableGrowth #SocialImpact #ResilientCommunities https://lnkd.in/eJKeQAYY

New policy paper! 📢 Dr. Niels Kirst from Dublin City University assesses the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on liberal-constitutional democracies and provides policy recommendations to enhance the EU's effectiveness in crisis response and its resilience. Read more here 👉: https://lnkd.in/dTipaaQT #pandemicpolitics #regroup #covid19research #horizoneu #horizoneurope #postpandemic #policyrecommendations #crisisresponse #resilience

Excited to announce the publication of my latest policy paper for the Horizon Europe REGROUP Project! In this paper, I explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on liberal-constitutional democracies. The unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic have tested democratic institutions, revealing critical vulnerabilities. Key insights from the paper include: → The critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding fundamental rights during crises → The necessity for robust and transparent communication between governments and citizens → The importance of EU-wide coordination and solidarity in managing health emergencies Based on these findings, I provide a set of policy recommendations to enhance the EU's crisis response and boost its resilience against future threats. Recommendations address the Member States and the European institutions, like the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. I invite you to read the paper and join the conversation on how to build a stronger, more resilient Europe. It is a great experience to work on this project with scholars like Piero Tortola, Matthias C. Kettemann, Caroline Boeck, Natasza Styczynska & Rita Hornok. Read more here 👉: https://lnkd.in/dTipaaQT

Hello. I'm sat here listening tp The Politics Hub on Sky and now Politics Live on BBC. I have a policy NOT politics question for you. UK centric. If YOU were coming into power at the end of the year what one policy would you implement the following 3 areas that you think would make the biggest difference... Growth in the Economy Sorting out Public Services Levelling Up I say policy not political as I don't want this to be a political party, Tory vs Labour post. Please don't blame any body or party for anything. I'm just interested in what policy you think would make the biggest difference. Up for the challenge? #growtheeconomy #business #policy #opinion #UK #publicservices

A counterpoint to “deliverism” in the pro-democracy ecosystem, by Tom Carothers & Brendan Hartnett in the Journal of Democracy: “One of the most common explanations of the ongoing wave of global democratic backsliding is that democracies are failing to deliver adequate socioeconomic goods to their citizens, leading voters to forsake democracy and embrace antidemocratic politicians who undermine democracy once elected. Yet a close look at twelve important cases of recent backsliding casts doubt on this thesis, finding that while it has some explanatory power in some cases, it has little in others, and even where it applies, it requires nuanced interpretation. Backsliding is less a result of democracies failing to deliver than of democracies failing to constrain the predatory political ambitions and methods of certain elected leaders. Policymakers and aid providers seeking to limit backsliding should tailor their diplomatic and aid interventions accordingly.” 🔗 in commentst

So it appears that almost every Western Democracy is in the process of electing right wing government's, and in several cases very far right governments. But the UK is predicted to elect a centrist left wing socialist government. How can that be? How can the UK be so far out of step with the rest of global politics? What does the UK electorate know that the rest of the world doesn't? Why is the UK zigging when the rest of the world is zagging? Is the UK just far ahead of the rest of global politics, or just far behind, or generally out of step with global political opinion? Socialist left wing ideologies seem so far removed from the reality of what is actually happening in everyone's lives. #eyeseew