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The think tank

Policy

Evidence-led proposals from the BuildResearch think tank — written to inform government policy and the decisions that shape the UK economy. Our first policy series is a submission for the Autumn Budget 2026.

Latest publication

Research as economic infrastructure

Policy submission · Autumn Budget 2026

Repositioning research to be a key component of the UK’s economic infrastructure

For decades, much of the research and thought leadership that guides business has been treated as a discretionary overhead. This series argues they are economic infrastructure — and sets out five proposals for the Chancellor to unlock corporate balance sheets, address the UK’s regional productivity gap, boost inward investment and fuel a more innovative, resilient economy.

Our approach

From evidence to direction

i

Rigorous analysis

We start from robust evidence — official statistics, the academic literature and our own research — to understand complex issues with depth and credibility.

ii

Practical proposals

We translate findings into clear, specific proposals — what should change, why, and who would lead it — so decision-makers can act on them.

iii

Open engagement

We share our work openly and welcome conversations with government, combined authorities, industry and the research community.

Talk to us about policy

Request a briefing on our proposals, or bring us a policy question you need evidence for.

Journalists: buildresearchclients@outlook.com

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