Fraser of Allander Institute

Fraser of Allander Institute
Name	Fraser of Allander Institute
Formation	1975
Type	Research institute
Headquarters	University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Leader title	Director

Fraser of Allander Institute is an applied economic research centre affiliated with the University of Strathclyde based in Glasgow, Scotland. It provides analysis on Scottish economic performance, fiscal policy, labour markets and regional development for policymakers, media and civic institutions. The institute engages with stakeholders across the United Kingdom and internationally to inform debates on public finance, taxation and social welfare.

History and Origins

The institute was established in 1975 within the University of Strathclyde during a period shaped by events such as the 1973 oil crisis, the European Economic Community enlargement debates and the aftermath of the 1974 United Kingdom general election. Early work intersected with inquiries like the Scottish Constitutional Convention discussions and the economic conditions examined by commissions including the Royal Commission on the Distribution of Income and Wealth. Founders and early contributors included academics whose careers linked to institutions such as London School of Economics, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen and Oxford University. Over decades the institute’s timeline crosses policy landmarks such as the Poll Tax (Scotland) controversies, the introduction of the Barnett formula, the Good Friday Agreement era fiscal adjustments, and devolution following the Scotland Act 1998.

Research Focus and Activities

Research agendas center on applied topics including public finance analysis relevant to instruments like the Barnett formula and Scottish Parliament fiscal powers, labour market studies connected to institutions such as ACAS and Trades Union Congress, and regional modelling comparable to work by OECD, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and European Commission. The institute conducts input-output and CGE modelling akin to methodologies used by National Institute of Economic and Social Research, Institute for Fiscal Studies, London School of Economics, and Cambridge Econometrics. It examines sectors including energy production linked to North Sea oil and gas, renewables projects like those promoted by ScottishPower and SSE plc, and manufacturing clusters similar to firms such as Rolls-Royce plc and BAE Systems. Empirical techniques draw on data from agencies such as Office for National Statistics, Scottish Government, HM Revenue and Customs, ONS Scottish Government Regional Accounts, and international datasets like those of the United Nations and Eurostat.

Publications and Reports

The institute issues regular outputs including monthly commentary comparable to briefing series from Institute for Fiscal Studies and working papers akin to publications from National Bureau of Economic Research and Center for Economic Policy Research. Major reports have addressed topics covered also by bodies such as Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Resolution Foundation, Adam Smith Institute, and Carnegie UK Trust. The institute produces sectoral studies that reference case histories involving corporations like BP, Shell plc, Cairn Energy, and policy program evaluations resembling analyses by Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury, and Scottish Government directorates. Academic dissemination occurs in journals and conferences hosted by organizations such as Royal Economic Society, Economic History Society, Scottish Economic Society, and international forums including International Labour Organization events.

Policy Influence and Partnerships

The institute advises and collaborates with devolved institutions including the Scottish Parliament, fiscal bodies like the Scottish Fiscal Commission, and UK-wide departments including HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade. Partnerships extend to think tanks and NGOs such as Institute for Public Policy Research, Centre for Social Justice, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Resolution Foundation, Nesta, and academic centres including University of Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Stirling, Heriot-Watt University, and Queen Margaret University. It has provided evidence to inquiries by committees such as the House of Commons Treasury Committee and House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee. International collaborations have linked the institute to networks including the OECD Local Economic and Employment Development group, European Investment Bank research initiatives, and bilateral projects involving the World Bank.

Organisation and Governance

The institute operates within the administrative framework of the University of Strathclyde with governance involving academic leadership, advisory boards and external stakeholders such as representatives from Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and private sector partners like KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, and EY. Directors and senior researchers have held academic appointments and visiting fellowships at institutions including London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, Princeton University, Harvard University, and engagement with professional societies such as Royal Society of Edinburgh and British Academy. Governance structures ensure compliance with funders including trusts and foundations like Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Funding and Affiliations

Funding sources include competitive research grants from bodies such as the Economic and Social Research Council, contracts with public bodies like the Scottish Government and HM Treasury, philanthropic support from foundations such as the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and fee-for-service work for corporations and third-sector organizations including Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, and trade unions such as Unite the Union and GMB. Institutional affiliation remains with the University of Strathclyde and collaborative networks include links to Institute for Fiscal Studies, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, Centre for Cities, Scottish Centre for Employment Research, and international partners such as IMF and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Category:Research institutes in Scotland Category:University of Strathclyde