Think tank Reform Scotland publishes report

Professor Ross Brown from the School of Management has had a report published by Scottish think tank Reform Scotland on the performance of the recently created Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB).

The report indicates that the Scottish Government's broad mission for SNIB has unintentionally prevented firm-specific investments. Notably, only seven companies have received funding so far, creating a very limited economic impact.

Commenting on the report, Professor Brown stated:

"SNIB looks unfocused and ill-conceived, and this vagueness has created an unhelpful mission-creep. Most importantly, SNIB's strategic deficiency is reflected in the very small number of projects currently being funded by the bank, which in turn is likely to lead to a very modest economic impact in the short to medium term".

Director of Reform Scotland Chris Deerin added:

"We see no reason why SNIB should not be a long-term success. And we hope this paper, in its spirit of constructive criticism, can play a small part in helping it towards that happy outcome." 

The piece received widespread media attention, including stories in the Spectator, the Herald and the Insider.

Read the report, Mission Accomplished? Assessing the performance of the Scottish National Investment Bank.

Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash