IIPP Policy Studio

Over the last five years, IIPP has been at the forefront of advancing theories of New Economic Thinking. Our work is centred on:
- Rethinking public value
- Shaping innovation
- Transforming institutions
- Redirecting finance
We focus on impact, and have worked closely with policymakers to put cutting-edge theory into practice – including the development of the Scottish National Investment Bank, the UK’s Mission-Oriented Industrial Strategy, and Camden’s missions for a fairer and more inclusive Borough.
However, given the cascading crises we face – from inflation to the climate emergency and persistent inequalities in health and opportunity – there is an urgent need to accelerate change on the ground in the public, private and third sectors. The IIPP Policy Studio provides a structured link between theory and practice, working in deeper collaboration with our partners on the frontline to co-design and test the tools, frameworks and policy needed to respond to the challenges they face.
What we do
IIPP Policy Studio brings together bespoke multidisciplinary teams to design policies and tools, combining different methodologies, lenses, and approaches. We work in partnership with governments and institutions from across the world to co-design and test new policy frameworks and on-the-ground solutions.
We use a practice-based theorising model, where academic theories connected to our research are tested in real-world contexts and then fed back into theory. This unique approach allows us to prototype and test new policies, tools and frameworks on the ground, while advancing theories of public value that challenge mainstream economic models and policy-making practices.
Ultimately, by bringing together diverse voices from across society, including policymakers, academics, philanthropists and community members, the Policy Studio is advancing the cause for radical new economic thinking globally, needed to solve today’s grand challenges.
How we work
We base our work on a practice-based theorising model, allowing us to bridge the gap between theory and practice by working in partnership with practitioners, academics, and public bodies.

Underpinning this approach are a few core principles. We work in deep collaboration, going beyond traditional researcher roles to be truly embedded with partner organisations. We focus on making change, and lean into the ‘messy middle’ of the work – understanding and helping to overcome barriers and resistance. We take a systems approach to our work – recognising that meaningful change will require multiple actors and multiple levers, and that there are no silver bullets to the complex challenges we face. Finally, we have a bias to action and learn by doing.
Read more on our policy work
Contact us
Barbara Chesi
Stakeholder and Partnerships Manager
iipp.policy-studio@ucl.ac.uk
Supported by Laudes Foundation
