Publications

From Funding Gaps to Thin Markets

UK Government Support for Early-Stage Venture Capital

As we contemplate a new industrial strategy for Britain in the wake of the worst recession in over 70 years, it is clear that this must be informed by the experiences of previous policy initiatives. In looking at the effectiveness of government-backed venture capital schemes over the past ten years, this report does exactly that and therefore comes at an opportune time for those interested in fashioning a more innovative, forward-looking Britain.

Work-Focused Services in Children’s Centres Pilot: Evaluation baseline report

This report presents the baseline findings for the evaluation of the work-focused services in Children’s Centres pilot. The main research reported here is taken from a baseline survey of Children’s Centre users, which took place in January 2009, and from familiarisation visits to the Children’s Centres which took place in December 2008 and January 2009.

Impact of the Recession on the Labour Market in the South East

The research sought to understand: the impact of the economic downturn on skills needs and training practices within different sectors in the South East, focusing on a mixture of sectors which were seriously affected by recession and those which might lead the recovery, and the impact of economic downturn on LSC priority programmes, with a focus on Train to Gain, apprenticeships and priority groups.

Greening the European economy

Responses and initiatives by Member States and social partners

This report examines the responses, initiatives and activities undertaken by national governments and the social partners in the EU Member States, plus Norway, in working towards a greener economy and maximising the job creation potential of this new area. The report looks specifically at various measures undertaken by governments with a view to stimulating the economy in the current context of the global economic crisis. It also charts the growing awareness of the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and developing alternative energy sources, showing that both governments and social partners in most countries in this study are active in trying to promote the ‘green agenda’.

High Performance Working: Developing a survey tool

The aim of this project was to develop a common, longitudinal, employer-based survey tool on high performance working (HPW) capable of providing results comparable by: nation, sector, size of firm and organisational strategy. This is needed because the UK evidence base has suffered deficiencies in the past around the issue of more effective skills utilisation and organisational performance.