About Social market foundation
Social Market Foundation: Building a Fair Society and Strong Economy through Evidence-Based Policies
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is a non-partisan think tank that aims to promote evidence-based policies that support a fair society and strong economy. Founded in 1989, the SMF has been at the forefront of policy debates on issues such as education, welfare, housing, and taxation.
At its core, the SMF believes in the power of markets to drive economic growth and innovation. However, it also recognizes that markets can sometimes fail to deliver outcomes that are socially just or sustainable. Therefore, the SMF seeks to strike a balance between market efficiency and social equity by advocating for policies that promote competition while also addressing market failures.
One of the key strengths of the SMF is its ability to bring together people from different political backgrounds and perspectives. The organization's board includes individuals from across the political spectrum, including former ministers from both Labour and Conservative governments. This diversity allows for robust debate and ensures that policy proposals are grounded in evidence rather than ideology.
The SMF's research covers a wide range of topics related to social and economic policy. For example, recent reports have examined issues such as:
- The impact of automation on employment
- The effectiveness of apprenticeships as a means of improving skills
- The role of local government in promoting economic growth
- The potential benefits (and drawbacks) of introducing a universal basic income
In addition to producing research reports, the SMF also hosts events where policymakers can engage with experts on various topics. These events provide an opportunity for policymakers to learn about new ideas and approaches while also sharing their own perspectives.
Overall, the Social Market Foundation is an important voice in UK policymaking circles. Its commitment to evidence-based policymaking ensures that its proposals are grounded in reality rather than wishful thinking or ideology. By bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, it fosters constructive debate and helps to build consensus around policies that can promote a fair society and strong economy.