Policy Network - Opinion

Education • Youth • Unemployment

The education quality imperative

Eric A. Hanushek - 08 May 2013

In recessions, political attention is focused on the immediate concern of unemployment. This frequently overshadows more significant economic issues.
Education • Youth Guarantee • Opportunity

Responding to the rising NEET demographic

Sue Maguire - 24 April 2013

The costs to the public purse of managing the economic and social consequences of inactivity among young people, cannot be ignored.
Austerity • Deficits • Fiscal Policy

The case for Fiscal Councils

Simon Wren-Lewis - 22 April 2013

Fiscal councils may be one way to bridge the gap between what is economically sensible and what is politically possible.
Growth • Well-being • Equality

Creating a system of well-being warning lights

Anke Hassel - 19 April 2013

The fixation of policymakers with GDP should be overcome by highlighting aspects that make citizens lives happier and more sustainable.
Growth • Credibility Deficit • Social Models

No return to ‘business as usual’ for European social democracy

Roger Liddle - 10 April 2013

Social democracy can no longer make easy promises of higher personal living standards.
Living Standards • Wages • Jobs

How to achieve shared prosperity even if wages aren't rising

Lane Kenworthy - 10 April 2013

Many of the rich countries, when they return to reasonably robust economic growth, will face two potential obstacles to shared prosperity. One is a shortage of jobs. The other is stagnant (or falling) wages for those in the lower half.
Youth • Unemployment • Opportunity

Overcoming the challenges to youth opportunity

Karen Kornbluh - 10 April 2013

Governments must address youth unemployment effectively to restore trust in its ability to address 21st century problems.
Welfare • Investment • Optimism

Rejecting welfare state pessimism

Andrew Harrop - 11 February 2013

The squeeze on social welfare is a consequence of the government decisions not inevitable decline. The Left’s response should be one of pragmatic optimism not despair.
Genre Equality • Social Investment • Welfare

The childcare ‘social investment’ challenge

Patrick Diamond - 07 February 2013

Social investment is crucial for modern welfare states. In childcare, however, the UK may have drawn the wrong lessons from Europe.
Germany • SPD • 2013 Election

The Teflon Chancellor only gets stronger

Michael Miebach - 19 December 2012

The SPD are likely to run a campaign focused on social inequalities and Obama-style campaigning as Angela Merkel’s popularity continues to soar.

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The Policy Network Observatory promotes critical debate and reflection on progressive politics. It is centre-left orientated but determinately challenges social democracy. It is resolutely pro-European but questions EU institutions and practices.