Economic growth is all about growing the metaphorical pie. A larger pie implies that the quantity and quality of the goods and services produced can also increase.

With a larger pie, we have more resources to produce and consume goods according to our desires if we want to. With the possibility of making everyone happier, unlocking high growth reduces rent-seeking behaviour and inequality. Finding the best ways to unlock the growth potential bears significant consequences.

Growth and progress are positive-sum games: more economic growth means achieving higher optionality and choice over what we want. Considering methods for growth and innovation in the economy is therefore paramount for the long-term flourishing of individuals across countries and geographies.

Our work focuses on identifying and rigorously researching ideas—policies, practices, and frameworks—that may help individuals, organisations, and governments realise their potential. By promoting and researching good ideas. Focusing on our three research areas—productivity, infrastructure, and people—we are reflecting on existing policies and practices and thinking about what the next steps should be to stimulate and foster growth in a complex world.

We are particularly excited to explore the ‘low-hanging fruits’ for economic growth and areas that may have traditionally been neglected by political or economic think tanks.

Our research is multifaceted. we are social scientists informed by relevant theories and empirical evidence, practitioners interested in investigating the implementation of innovation policy in practice across differentiated contexts, and thinkers excited to delve into what a better world might look like.

Our research is multidisciplinary. we combine qualitative and theoretical reasoning with quantitative and empirical rigour.

Our research is (politically) neutral. We evaluate policies and situations for what they are, referencing international standards and best practices where necessary.

Our research respects differences. We understand and respect differences in political, economic, and social contexts and consider decisions across individual and societal perspectives.

Our research has the end goal of understanding. We keep in mind the wisdom of Chesterton’s fence, and seek to understand the full picture before making recommendations or suggestions.

Our research is focused on productivity, infrastructure, and people, corresponding to the traditional ‘production function’ of an economy—total factor productivity, capital, and labour.

Alongside our analysis pieces, we have worked on projects such as:

• assessing the causes of infrastructure delays in the UK

• consulting for an organisation about removing the barriers for early-stage youth entrepreneurship

• uncovering new insights for innovation policy from underexplored datasets

If we can help support your organisation with high-quality research and strategy consulting, please feel free to contact us.

The term ‘protopia’ was coined by Kevin Kelly, the founder of Wired Magazine. He defines protopia as ‘a state that is better than today than yesterday’. A protopia is similar to utopian ideals in their optimistic outlook, but rooted in an understanding of the world’s increasing complexity. Protopia Group seeks to unpack and understand the world’s inherent complexities through our work to help support the flourishing of growth and innovation worldwide.