Publications

Nesta's world-leading research is helping to expand understanding of how innovation works best in the UK, and how policy can best support it.

We publish our findings in detailed research reports, all of which are available as downloadable PDFs below.

Reports

Working the Crowd
May 2013
This short practical guide provides an overview of how crowdfunding works
—Read more about Working the Crowd

Local advertising markets and hyperlocal media
May 2013
This research looks the nature of local advertising markets in the UK and the opportunities this presents for creators of hyperlocal content.
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Understanding the use of hyperlocal content through consumer search
May 2013
This research summary collates the findings of research we commissioned to better understand how audiences use search engines to search for and access hyperlocal content.
—Read more

State of Innovation
May 2013
This report takes the temperature of public innovation in Wales and draws out some issues and opportunities for innovators, funders and policymakers to consider.
—Read more about State of Innovation

Don't stop thinking about tomorrow: a modest defence of futurology
May 2013
This paper navigates the myths and realities of good and bad futurology, from economic forecasting to science fiction.
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Systemic Innovation: A discussion series
April 2013
This paper collates a series of pieces from a group of leading thinkers and practitioners from the field of systemic innovation to discuss the theories, methods and practices.
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Banking on Each Other
April 2013
This report looks at the emerging field of peer-to-peer lending to businesses.
—Read more about Banking on Each Other

A Manifesto for the Creative Economy
Read our ten-point plan to bolster one of the UK's fastest growing sectors
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Gripes, grumbles and grievances
April 2013
This report looks at the role of complaints in transforming public services.
—Read more about Gripes, grumbles and grievances

Destination Local research: UK demand for hyperlocal media
April 2013
This report looks at the demand for and use of hyperlocal media services in the UK.
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Health For People, By People and With People
April 2013
This report makes the case for changing the ways in which healthcare is organised, by showing how it can better combine the very best scientific and clinical knowledge with the expertise and commitment of patients themselves.
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Here and Now: UK hyperlocal media today
March 2012
This review offers an insight into the diverse, creative and emerging sector of hyperlocal media
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Co-production catalogue
May 2012
This catalogue brings together some inspiring examples of collaborative public services in action, with a particular focus on health and social care.
—Read more about Co-production catalogue

The legacy of BBC Micro
May 2012
This report explores the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, the resulting BBC Micro computer and its subsequent influence on computing culture in Britain.
—Read more about The legacy of BBC Micro

Challenge Prizes landscape review
April 2012
This review looks at the landscape for challenge, or 'inducement', prizes
—Read more about Challenge Prizes landscape review

Crossing the River by Feeling for Stones
June 2012
This paper shows how the UK's creative industries can fare better in China by using social networks.
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Financial Planners as Catalysts for Social Investment
June 2012
This report provides evidence of why and how financial planners can help build the social investment market in the UK.
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Getting ready for radical efficiency
June 2012
This booklet is grounded in the evidence we have generated to show that the radical efficiency framework can help generate much better outcomes for users.
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The Venture Crowd
July 2012
This report looks at equity crowdfunding, where individuals receive small stakes in a privately owned young business in return for investment.
—Read more about The Venture Crowd