Our latest thinking on the issues that matter most in economic and social development through our Viewpoint series, and our latest published reports. Our older Viewpoint ‘thought piece’ publications are available from the archive.
September 2021
A wealth of studies have shown the positive effects of interventions to improve communication between clinicians and patients, revealing that effective patient/clinician communication can improve patients’ experiences and health outcomes. Our systematic review of this international literature has been published by NHS England.
September 2021
The productivity performance of SMEs during the pandemic is a topic on which relatively little is known, although it has been possible to engage in informed speculation about likely impacts. Supported by the Productivity Insights Network, we undertook econometric analysis looking at factors affecting turnover and productivity using SME Finance Monitor data from the early stages of the pandemic.
August 2021
The UK Corporate Governance Code acknowledges the importance of diversity and the value to boards of having a range of different perspectives. We worked with the London Business School Leadership Institute to explore how diversity can influence board effectiveness and dynamics of FTSE 350 companies.
August 2021
The civil Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme provides grant funding for industry led R&D projects, with matched contributions from industry. The UK Government has committed £1.95bn up to 2026 to the ATI R&D programme. SQW’s early impact evaluation has now been published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
August 2021
Hertfordshire’s life sciences sector has developed over many decades. SQW was asked by Hertfordshire LEP to examine the evolution of the cell and gene therapy businesses cluster – within the wider context of life sciences in Hertfordshire – and to consider opportunities and barriers in relation to its future growth.
July 2021
The £3.3m Communities Fund supported initiatives aiming to tackle entrenched social issues, provide better outcomes for communities and improve local public services. SQW's evaluation has now been published by Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.