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

Evidence in the Real World: The development of Project Oracle
March 2012
This paper seeks to generate debate on the issue of measuring improvements in the youth sector
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The Challenge of Co-Production
December 2009
The key to reforming public services is to encourage users to design and deliver services in equal partnership with professionals.
—Read more about The Challenge of Co-Production

Beyond the Banks
September 2011
This report explores access to finance for SMEs and includes short profiles of businesses that are working in innovative ways to channel credit to the small business market
—Read more about Beyond the Banks

Hot Topics: Demanding Devices
January 2012
This report draws together some of the key ideas covered at the tenth Hot Topics event, Demanding Devices: design and the internet of things.
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Confronting climate change
July 2009
Confronting climate change assesses the role innovation is currently playing in meeting the challenge of climate change and where it needs to be harnessed more fully.
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Introducing the Neighbourhood Challenge: Seventeen stories begin
August 2011
This paper details the community led innovation plans of each of the Neighbourhood Challenge projects
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Reshaping the UK Economy
June 2009
Reshaping the UK Economy proposes a timely, efficient and smart way for government to support and stimulate investment in high-growth companies.
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Beyond the banks: discussion
July 2011
A discussion by a panel of entrepreneurs and investors on the problem of access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses.
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The connected university
April 2009
The Connected University report examines the multifaceted contribution universities make to the economy and how this can be scaled-up.
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Atlantic Drift
June 2011
This report sheds light on the magnitude of the performance gap between US and UK venture capital funds, its evolution over time, and what the likely drivers of the performance differences are
—Read more about Atlantic Drift

Demanding growth in Scotland
March 2009
What new sources of growth will drive economic prosperity in Scotland?
—Read more about Demanding growth in Scotland

NT Live
June 2011
Learning, insights and resources from the pilot season of the successful NT Live programme
—Read more about NT Live

The Startup Factories
June 2011
This report looks at the rise of startup accelerator programmes in supporting new technology ventures
—Read more about The Startup Factories

Creating Innovation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
May 2011
This working paper looks at the short-term impact of the Creative Credits pilot scheme which operated in the Manchester City Region in the North West of England from September 2009 to September 2010.
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Investing for the good of society
April 2011
This report presents compelling evidence which shows that wealthy individuals can be motivated to try social investments.
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Understanding the demand for and supply of social finance
April 2011
This report aims to set out the nature of current and future demand for capital from social finance intermediaries and to develop an understanding of the mix of financing the Big Society Bank will need to support.
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Evidence for Social Policy and Practice
April 2011
Perspectives on how research and evidence can influence decision making in public services
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Innovation in Public Sector Organisations
March 2011
This report presents the findings from our pilot project developing a survey tool for measuring innovation in the public sector.
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A Guide to Creative Credits
March 2011
A new model for supporting innovation and growth within small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through knowledge transfer from creative businesses.
—Read more about A Guide to Creative Credits

Vital Growth
March 2011
Following on from our 2009 research summary, The Vital 6 Percent, this report shows that high-growth businesses remain vital to the UK's economy and are key to its recovery.
—Read more about Vital Growth