This joint initiative reflects an international trend to set up new institutions to analyse productivity in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Eurozone members. The UK Productivity Commission operates independently from the government and other policy institutions, and is something that NIESR called for the establishment of in 2019 (National Institute Economic Review, Volume 250, November 2019).
The Commissioners and Observer hold periodic evidence sessions with experts in the field of productivity and related research themes to understand any pertinent problems, as well as identify and examine possible solutions.
Additionally, to public calls for written evidence are issued, with these serving to shape the Commission’s questioning at oral evidence sessions, and inform any published reports. These reports are published after each annual theme concludes, serving to analyse the research area and provide relevant policy proposals.
Objectives of the UK Productivity Commission
The Commission’s objectives are to:
- help understand and communicate the policy implications of new academic research related to UK productivity
- collect evidence from key stakeholders and provide summaries of research and evidence with an emphasis on regions and the devolved nations
- examine the implication of planned policies, respond to policy initiatives in Whitehall, elsewhere and overseas, provide policy advice and develop policy proposals.
The Commission will work closely with policymakers across Westminster and Whitehall whilst maintaining its independence at all times.