Support our research

Our work spans public service reform and the social market economy, and champions ideas that marry a pro-market orientation with concern for social justice. Since our inception in 1989, the SMF has gained an enviable reputation for the rigour of its research, driving policy debate based on sound argument and clear evidence.

Our research is supported by organisations keen to associate themselves with our thought leadership, and looking to explore policy questions in areas of mutual interest. Recent sponsors have come from the private, public and third sectors.

Case study: leading the way on welfare to work

In 2009 we decided to take a detailed look at the government’s proposed ‘payment by results’ market structure – the centrepiece of the new welfare-to-work system. Our aim was to associate the SMF and our sponsor with leadership of the policy debate by proposing practical steps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system for both jobseekers and taxpayers. This four-month project drew on economic theory, survey data analysis, international evidence and expert opinion to appraise the proposed UK policy approach.

The final report, Vicious Cycles was the focus of three events at which ministers and shadow ministers discussed the ideas. The report secured widespread media coverage and led to commentators highlighting that the SMF wrote the "blueprint for the Work Programme"

Since the publication of Vicious Cycles, we have continued to advise policymakers, provoke debate and carry out targeted research into welfare to work. Our most recent publication on this topic, Will the Work Programme Work, looks into the viability of the Work Programme. Our findings, that 9 out of 10 Work Programme providers risk having their contracts taken away due to unrealistic performance expectations, received widespread coverage including in the Financial Times, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, The Economist and The Guardian.

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