Inclusive Productivity: The Macroeconomic Consequences of the UK’s Unequal Productivity Performance

This research project consists of two sub-projects and papers.  One focused on developing the framework for inclusive productivity within the mainstream economic analysis, specifically making the link between macroeconomic performance and inclusive productivity at a regional, labour market level of analysis.  This will consider Human Capital and Social Capital as inputs to the productivity process and how they contribute to enhancing the productive capacity and potential capacity of the economy.

The second project and paper will focus on policy solutions, drawing on the UK’s Levelling Up White paper.  The Levelling up White paper uses a 6 capitals framework: physical, intangible, human, financial, social and institutional capital. The White Paper acknowledges that “These capitals act as a mutually-reinforcing system, driving economic growth and improving social outcomes, including personal well-being”.  However, the paper also correctly states that:  “There are no internationally agreed quantitative definitions of social capital and nor are there directly measured estimates of the stock and flow of social capital. Instead, proxies or indicators are used, linked to the outcomes associated with higher levels of social capital” This research will review potential methods of measure social capital that are relevant to the economic framework and the stated objectives of the levelling up white paper.

Research Questions/Hypotheses:

1. Does inequality in the formation and distribution of productivity at a regional, labour market and individual level negatively impact productivity at an aggregate level?
2. Under what circumstances/context can we simultaneously increase UK aggregate productivity and sustainable regional growth, positive labour market and social capital outcomes for individuals?

Significance:

These two projects aim to contribute to developing a new economic paradigm for the UK, as set out in the objectives of the Levelling Up White paper: “boost productivity, pay, jobs, and living standards … especially in those places where they are lagging”.