Economics and social research
Main areas of economics and social research undertaken by the Department.
Economics and social research strategy
The economics and social research strategy is a comprehensive overview of recent, on-going and proposed economics and social research in BIS. It was published in February 2012:
Economics and social research strategy 2011 - 2012: an overview of economic and social research (PDF, 159 Kb)
For questions about the strategy please contact Christopher.bryant@bis.gsi.gov.uk.
Economics Papers
The Department places analysis at the heart of policy-making. As part of this process the Department has decided to make its analysis and evidence base more publicly available through the publication of the Main Economics Papers series, which set out the thinking underpinning policy development.
The main series is complemented by two further series:
- The Occasional Papers series, including literature reviews, appraisal and evaluation guidance, technical papers and economic essays and think pieces; and
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Sector Competitiveness Studies - comparative studies and analyses of the competitiveness of different productive sectors of the UK economy.
Additional research is published on the Other economic reports page.
We welcome feedback on the issues raised by the Economics Papers. Comments should be sent to: bis.economics@bis.gsi.gov.uk.
Social Research Papers
In parallel with the Economic Paper Series, social research reports are published in the Research paper series.This page contains reports published since June 2009, predominantly commissioned by the analytical teams in Higher Education and Further Education and Skills Directorates.
Earlier reports published by the previous Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills are available from the Research reports page.
We welcome feedback on the issues raised by the Economics Papers. Comments should be sent to: bis.economics@bis.gsi.gov.uk.
Employment Relations
Employment, Market Analysis and Research (EMAR) is a multidisciplinary team of economists, social researchers and statisticians based in the Employment Relations Directorate of BIS.
Its role is to provide the evidence base for good policy making in employment relations, labour market and equality and discrimination at work by:
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conducting periodic socio-economic benchmark surveys
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commissioning external research projects and reports
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conducting in-house research and analysis
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assessing the regulatory impact of new employment laws and programmes
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monitoring and evaluating of the impact of government policies
The Employment, Market Analysis Research page includes the Employment Relations Research Series and other EMAR publications.
Science & Innovation Analysis (SIA)
Based in London, Science and Innovation Analysis is an interdisciplinary unit of analysts within the Science and Innovation Group of BIS
Economists and Statisticians provide professional advice and develop the evidence base underpinning Science, Technology and Innovation policy. Evaluation advice is provided for planning and the monitoring and ex post evaluation of Science and Innovation programmes.
Higher Education
BIS is committed to the generation and use of a strong evidence base to support the development and implementation of its higher education policies. The Research and analysis page contains the latest research reports and statistical releases in this area.
Further Education and Skills
Skills are a key part of our plan for economic recovery and an urgent challenge. This country’s future can only be built by people who have the skills demanded by modern work in a globalised economy. The Research and analysis page contains the latest research reports and statisitcal releases in this area.
Consumer and Competition Policy
The Competition Matters page includes links to Office of Fair Trading Market Studies.
Enterprise Directorate
The Analytical Unit with Enterprise Directorate provides research into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Social Exclusion and entrepreneurship. The Unit provides a centre of expertise that creates and communicates knowledge of small business issues. Reports are published and can be viewed via the Enterprise Directorate Analytical Unit page.
Business Support
The research undertaken in this area is mostly evaluation of BIS's Business Support projects.
Low Pay Commission (LPC)
The Low Pay Commission supports research projects to inform its work, which are published on their Research projects page.
Office of Manpower Economics
The OME provides the secretariat to the Independent Pay Review Bodies, The Police Advisory Board England & Wales and the Police Negotiating Board. The Office of Manpower Economics research website provides links to each body and its respective reports.
