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Pranesh Narayanan

@praneshippr.bsky.social
373 followers 138 following 43 posts

Senior research Fellow at IPPR thinking about a fairer, sustainable and more productive economy

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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
William Ellis @willellisecon.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I'm also concerned about UK borrowing costs and fiscal credibility, and it absolutely should be a cornerstone of the upcoming Budget. But this framing I'm seeing feels a tad unfair to me.
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Maya SH @msingerhobbs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
It's hard to take this in good faith when people across the sector have been making these arguments for years and been shouted down as being NIMBYs 🙃
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Roa Powell @roapowell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Some news… @carsjung.bsky.social and I are launching a Substack! We will be using this to explore what needs to change for AI to actually work for most people (spoiler: it is a lot) First post is up looking at today’s launch of the AI economics institute and how to predict AI's jobs impact 1/2
modeleconomy.substack.com
AI jobs predictions keep missing the point. Here’s what to measure instead
A government institute to track how AI disrupts jobs is long overdue. But as it officially launches today, will it measure the right things?
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Sofia Ropek Hewson @sofiahewson.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Over half of what we see on social media is posts from influencers, ads, brands and recommended content. Content from people we know makes up only 18% of what we see. These platforms personalise our feeds and promote one-sided relationships with influencers over social ones. We can demand better.
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Carsten Jung @carsjung.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
NEW: The high cost of living is on the forefront of the public's mind. The government should launch 'a war on bills' - a multi-year policy campaign to bring costs down. There are no silver bullets, but there are lots of small things that the government can do to show that it's on people side. (1/4)
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
You can either increase taxes or cut public spending - the macroeconomic effects, in general, are pretty similar. Question is which policy would be a bigger risk to growth given the current state of the UK economy. I say the economy needs a more effective and well-resourced government, not lower tax
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
I would also direct this meme towards the specious whattaboutery on energy costs now being pushed by mainstream commentators (like the economist...) www.economist.com/britain/2025...
economist.com
Is Britain’s net-zero push to blame for its high energy prices?
A mighty rise in electricity costs has complicated the drive for clean power
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Sam Alvis @samalvis.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
This is an ace paper. We are far beyond "China dominates supply". Building domestic/regional supply chains are contingent on Chinese firms/expertise. The most interesting qus for govts now around tech transfer and leapfrogging rather than competition www.netzeropolicylab.com/china-green-...
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Why Rachel Reeves Faces A Very Tricky Autumn Budget
The Chancellor is walking an economic tightrope heading into the Autumn Budget.
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
The UK isn't close to broke but it does have a problem with fiscal drama. Tax rises will help - higher revenues will mean that HMT is less under pressure from chaotic financial markets, and the UK economy is more stable. Pleased to be quoted in @politicshome.bsky.social by @nadinebh.bsky.social
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
t.co/SNmF3SktQy @martinsandbu.ft.com @rjpartington.bsky.social
t.co
http://ft.com/content/37af2ffd-0a82-4150-b89c-3d5390ea9062
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Banks should use the liquidity generated by these excess savings to provide financial backing for real investments, to create new assets in the UK economy (businesses or infrastructure). Instead they want to pump money into existing assets and make a quick buck
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
@barclaysuk.bsky.social says savers should shove cash savings into stocks for “higher returns” and to “help the economy.” What it really means is more risk for households, no guarantee of new UK investment, and one certainty—banks rake in more fees. Financial assets ≠ real investment.
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Dario Perkins @darioperkins.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
We are just the only country stupid enough to discuss "black holes" every time yields rise 10bps
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Lots on cost curves, technology, etc but nothing on what problem this *actually* solves. If road safety is the ultimate benefit, the same thing could be achieved through more public transport provision (buses, trams, light rail). This is another shiny big tech solution seeking a problem
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
This isn't really true though. Borrowing over the quarter is completely in line with OBR's expectations. Borrowing was higher than expected in June, lower than expected in May, overall no deviation to the OBR's forecast. Economists in the city just got it wrong...
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
The only questions are ones of longevity and scale - will this 10-year strategy be seen to completion, and is it going to be backed by enough funding firepower to get the job done? 8/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
The focus on reducing energy costs and building long-term certainty for these industries is very welcome. The use of strategic, catalytic finance and a new skills offer will help to make the UK a very attractive place to invest in the industries of the future. 7/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
There is also a very welcome focus on foundational sectors such as ports, steel and other materials manufacturing. The presence of these industries are vital for the success of factories around the country who rely on their supply of material inputs. 6/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
The strategy doubles down on green transport with support for zero emissions vehicles and sustainable aviation. Low-carbon transport technologies, such as battery powered electric vehicles, are growing much faster than their fossil fuel equivalents around the world. 5/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
With a bit of investment in factories and skills, the UK's strengths in boilers can transition to heat pumps 4/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Second, heat pumps. Once again, there’s a global manufacturing shortage. The UK has one of the largest heating and cooling industries in Europe but is currently specialised in boiler manufacturing. We know that there is significant overlap in making boilers and heat pumps 3/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
First, Wind. The UK has seen some of the fastest growth in offshore wind energy in the world, but has been slow to develop an industry around the supply chain. With supply shortages emerging, it is a great time for to invest in expanding wind manufacturing in Britain. 2/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Today’s industrial strategy made some clear strategic choices for the future direction of the UK economy. @ippr.org found that there are opportunities for the UK in three key clean technology industries, all of which are featured in the strategy 1/8
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
GDP stats today were a pleasant surprise for the Chancellor. BUT there are real headwinds coming up. There needs to be a real commitment to long-term investment. It was great to talk about this on the BBC (with a brief intrusion from Trump...) youtu.be/l5r5ib4Jb24
youtu.be
Pranesh Narayanan on BBC News discussing GDP
YouTube video by Institute for Public Policy Research
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Sam Alvis @samalvis.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Thanks @prospectmagazine.co.uk @aloner.bsky.social who let me write about Tony Blair's recent tribute act to the TB-GBs of New Labour, with some more serious consideration of where his NZ antipathy comes and the new politics if climate mini 🧵 www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/698...
prospectmagazine.co.uk
Tony Blair’s ideas for net zero are expensive and unpopular
The former PM’s clumsy climate intervention exposes the new political contest over the environment
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
we outline several recommendations to support electric rail and all kinds of transport manufacturing growth here www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
ippr.org
Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK | IPPR
Along with investment in infrastructure, the production of green transport equipment – electric trains and cars, for example – here in the UK, is the solut
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
This is what growth looks like - innovation leading to successful export opportunities in things that the world needs. UK rail manufacturing is small right now but it has potential - the new government's Industrial Strategy has to support it www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
telegraph.co.uk
Battery breakthrough to help UK train factory ‘leapfrog overseas rivals’
County Durham plant to help Hitachi Rail take on intercity giants Siemens and Alstom
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
I'm thinking this is more to do with the kind of work we have - lots of workers, particularly on the minimum wage, are in sectors like hospitality and retail - Baumol effect sectors, rather sectors that are capable of dynamic productivity growth
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Green transport manufacturing, including e-bikes, buses and EVs, can play a key role in the UK's industrial strategy Governance matters: this strategy must fit with creating a better transport system - one that embraces 'multimodal mobility' and reduces car dependency New @ippr.bsky.social report👇
ippr.org
Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK | IPPR
Along with investment in infrastructure, the production of green transport equipment – electric trains and cars, for example – here in the UK, is the solut
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
In our report,out today, we set out how the government can use its industrial strategy to do just that www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
ippr.org
Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK | IPPR
Along with investment in infrastructure, the production of green transport equipment – electric trains and cars, for example – here in the UK, is the solut
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
UK gov needs to support companies making these investments and building these business models, especially now that tariffs are in play. The prize is a modern, competitive transport manufacturing sector that drives jobs and exports across the UK.
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Many UK manufacturers are making the investments needed to compete on these technologies. E.g. 35% of UK car exports are already electric or hybrid, Rolls-Royce is innovating to improve the energy efficiency of their jet engines, and are working on zero-emissions flight
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
The future of transport is zero- and low-carbon. Where these technologies exist, they are seeing significant growth in trade and displacing fossil-fuel based technologies
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
The UK already has a strong industrial base for transport products - we're able to make cars, vans, jet engines, aircraft wings and more
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Trump's tariffs are destabilising the global economy, and will impact UK manufacturers, particularly the car industry. A trade deal to avoid tariffs will be helpful, but the government can go further by supporting these industries to build the tech of the future
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Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 13/02/2025
Slowly but surely, the economy is growing. The pessimism post-budget seems to have been overplayed as firms prepared for the pain of higher taxes but couldn’t yet see the benefits of increased spending. The government needs stick to its guns says @praneshippr.bsky.social.
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
You can grow the economy and hit climate goals at the same time - the story below highlights some of the opportunities. The government could quite easily (and quite cheaply!!) provide the certainty and support manufacturers need through the Industrial Strategy www.ft.com/content/397c...
ft.com
How years of waiting for parts is holding up the UK’s energy transition
Companies are facing long lead times to secure essential items such as transformers
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Jonn Elledge @jonnelledge.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Thrilling, baffling yet energising - What fresh economic opportunities might Genghis Khan's monumental million-skull structure portend for Merv?
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
The UK has many such areas of potential for green manufacturing - read more about them in our report! www.ippr.org/articles/man...
ippr.org
Manufacturing matters: The cornerstone of a competitive green economy | IPPR
UK manufacturing has declined far more than other advanced economies in the G7. This matters, even for a country that rightly prides itself on its services
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
The move recognises a future need - massive demand for HVDC cables. It also recognises the future economic potential of an area like Hunterston, which might appear to be in decline but has the skills and infrastructure to develop strengths in green manufacturing
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Scotland’s investment in subsea cable manufacturing is a clear example of green, growth-enhancing industrial policy in action. This is the route to a competitive, sustainable and prosperous economy built for the future www.ft.com/content/8ce0...
ft.com
Scotland bets on supply chain growth with subsea cable investment
Port project promises to deliver jobs and green growth but developers raise concerns over nascent technology
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Total factor mobility is one of those assumptions that are great in economics textbooks, unsubstantiated in reality. Beyond the issues in training costs, the UK's construction sector is currently structured for building conservatories in middle class suburbs, not for large infra projects
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Reposted by Pranesh Narayanan
Chris Dillow @chrisdillow.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
I agree with this: planning reform is good, but the constraint on mass housebuilding now is a lack of real resources: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The government’s welcome planning reforms alone won’t deliver Starmer’s ‘building boom’ | Institute for Government
The government's planning reforms are bold and ambitious.
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
www.ft.com/content/8050...
ft.com
Heathrow expansion plan faces sky high challenges
Scale and cost of construction could pose bigger barrier than political opposition
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
UK needs houses, gigafactories, data centres, labs, railways and new grid. This needs construction workers/materials, which are in short supply. Are benefits of airport expansion worth the opportunity cost of sucking resources from these other growth-boosting projects right now?
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
... who didn't have a fully sketched out growth plan themselves and are driven more by political red lines than a real vision for the economy
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
This is interesting - I wonder, if true, to what extent this is driven top down by politicians or whether it's a growth model that's really embedded within the civil service that has been implementing it for so long and that's the advice they are giving to politicians...
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
From the article - apparently it's not doing well enough for someone 🤷‍♂️
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Pranesh Narayanan @praneshippr.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
A company that spent tens of billions of £ on share buybacks over the past 3 years is now making job cuts to recover its share price... It's almost like prioritising short-term financial results is actually a bad business model... www.ft.com/content/2245...
ft.com
BP axes 4,700 jobs in cost-cutting drive
UK energy major under pressure from shareholders to turn around its performance
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