Perspectives of Achieving Good Growth in the UK

This book showcases research, evidence and perspectives from the social sciences on how the UK might address its challenges around growth and productivity - and how this might be balanced against other competing policy priorities. Since the financial crisis of 2007-2009, the UK’s economic growth has been slow, with the nation languishing in the lower half of the OECD productivity rankings. The UK has higher levels of inequality in wealth, income and opportunity compared with its OECD peers. These challenges are linked but tackling them is no straightforward task. This book showcases research, evidence and perspectives from the social sciences on how the UK might address its challenges around growth and productivity - and how this might be balanced against other competing policy priorities. What sort of growth might we want in the UK? Where should it be prioritised, how, and for whom? Are there ways the UK can achieve growth that is fair, inclusive, carefully targeted, and environmentally sustainable? This report foregrounds evidence-based ideas that explore these questions and highlights the role of the social sciences in supporting ‘good growth’ in the UK.