From vision to viability: using microeconomics to implement the Strategic Defence Review
After much anticipation, this month the UK government published its long-awaited Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The SDR is the UK’s response to the challenge facing all European countries: namely, how to protect ourselves in a geo-political climate that has become both riskier and more uncertain. Led by former NATO Secretary… Read More
Assessing the profitability of motorway concessions in France
France’s ecological transition demands the modernisation of motorway infrastructure to support electrification, reduce emissions, and align with new mobility trends. As current concession contracts approach expiration, public authorities must establish a framework that achieves ecological goals while optimising public resources. The concession model, which entrusts private entities with managing infrastructure,… Read More
The Big McBroadband index: a recipe for more meaningful cross-country price comparisons
Price benchmarking exercises are an often used tool by policymakers. When comparing prices across countries, common practice is to make purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments to control for differences in local price levels and the cost of living (e.g. wages, rent, and taxation). This helps shift the focus from… Read More
Investment opportunities in the water sector
A new model (Direct Procurement for Consumers, DPC), and an extension of the Specified Infrastructure Project Regulations (SIPR), are being used as a means of introducing competition into the delivery of new infrastructure in the England and Wales water sector. The current major projects pipeline requires £50bn across 30… Read More
Water mergers: Ofwat’s updated approach
Across industries, mergers and acquisitions play a key role in shaping business landscapes, enabling companies to evolve, grow and innovate. However, they must first undergo assessment by relevant competition and regulatory authorities to ensure that such structural changes do not distort competition, limit regulatory effectiveness (where appropriate), or produce unintended… Read More
Podcasts
One year on: developments in artificial intelligence (AI)
In this episode, one year on from their conversation in the very first Top of the Agenda podcast, Dr Helen Jenkins welcomes back Professor Richard Susskind CBE. Together they delve into the themes in Professor Susskind’s new book, ‘How to think about AI: A guide for the perplexed’, and share… Read More
Economics of the Data Act: part 2
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through smart devices and data-driven technologies, there challenges and opportunities presented by the data created in this process 1. Recognising this, the European Commission (EC) has introduced its Data Act, a landmark regulation designed to set clear guidelines for accessing and… Read More
A fast and low-risk solution to the growth problem?
Small innovative companies face a significant equity shortfall. If this shortfall could be reduced substantially, these companies would materially increase national productivity and growth. But the regulations which contributed to the shortfall are well-founded. Simply reducing or reversing these regulations would likely impose high social costs. The regulations are diverse… Read More
ESG: does the political shift mean businesses will lose out?
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles have long been a key factor in Boardroom discussions and decisions. However recent political developments—particularly in the US—have sparked a stark change in direction. Is it all over for ESG, or is there a future? In this episode of Top of the Agenda,… Read More
Future of rail: how to shape a resilient and responsive Great British Railways
Great Britain’s railway is at a critical juncture, facing unprecedented pressures arising from changing travel patterns, ageing infrastructure, and ongoing financial strain. These challenges, exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic and the imperative to achieve net zero, underscore the need for comprehensive and forward-looking reform. The UK government has proposed… Read More