Nesta
@nestauk.bsky.social
We are Nesta, the research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions across the innovation lifecycle. http://nesta.org.uk/newsletter
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Technological progress is often equated with shiny gadgets: rockets, robots and AI.
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
www.nesta.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Technological progress is often equated with shiny gadgets: rockets, robots and AI.
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
Reposted by Nesta
The Treasury is widely reported to be considering cutting energy bills, perhaps via a VAT cut. What's the best way to do this?
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
Tax-free electricity
A proposal to remove most taxes on electricity to reduce bills and promote clean heating
www.nesta.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The Treasury is widely reported to be considering cutting energy bills, perhaps via a VAT cut. What's the best way to do this?
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
Our aim is for every child to have a fair start in life.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
How does parenting impact children's development?
What forms of support are most helpful in enabling caregivers to be their best? Nesta explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Our aim is for every child to have a fair start in life.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
The UK government has promised to make energy bills cheaper - and a VAT cut for energy bills could be on the table. But is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
www.nesta.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The UK government has promised to make energy bills cheaper - and a VAT cut for energy bills could be on the table. But is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
If the UK is serious about net zero, we have to fix our green levies. Our explainer shows the current system charges 16% on your electricity bill but only 5.5% on gas, making electricity more expensive and discouraging people from adopting low-carbon heating.
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Household energy bills include green levies. What are they and why do we need to pay them?
When energy providers set tariffs for gas and electricity, the price includes a range of costs.
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
If the UK is serious about net zero, we have to fix our green levies. Our explainer shows the current system charges 16% on your electricity bill but only 5.5% on gas, making electricity more expensive and discouraging people from adopting low-carbon heating.
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Last month we hosted Policy Live 2025, bringing together fresh perspectives and exploring solutions to the UK's biggest social challenges.
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
October 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Last month we hosted Policy Live 2025, bringing together fresh perspectives and exploring solutions to the UK's biggest social challenges.
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
How can data improve early years services and help every child reach their potential?
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
October 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
How can data improve early years services and help every child reach their potential?
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Electricity is 4.2x more expensive than gas - caused by levies that should fund the green transition instead of taxing clean power. This unfair system is slowing the switch to heat pumps and driving up bills for the most vulnerable.
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Affordability, energy prices and paying for clean heat
By reforming electricity levies and increasing renewable generation, we can decouple electricity from gas prices, reduce bills, and overcome upfront costs - making heat pumps a viable solution for mor...
www.nesta.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Electricity is 4.2x more expensive than gas - caused by levies that should fund the green transition instead of taxing clean power. This unfair system is slowing the switch to heat pumps and driving up bills for the most vulnerable.
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
We're officially on Bluesky! 🥳
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
Innovation Growth Lab
Learn more about us IGL aims to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data and evidence. To do so, we bring together policymakers…
www.innovationgrowthlab.org
October 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
We're officially on Bluesky! 🥳
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
Reposted by Nesta
This is still at an early stage, of course, but it shows promise that remotely operated heat pumps could be part of a consumer-friendly, bill-saving service.
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
The future of heat
How to drive decarbonisation with innovative tariffs and automated flexibility
www.nesta.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 1:25 PM
This is still at an early stage, of course, but it shows promise that remotely operated heat pumps could be part of a consumer-friendly, bill-saving service.
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Reposted by Nesta
Do you want to directly influence how the European Commission supports policymakers to try new ideas?
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
PACoP survey - final version
eu.mar.medallia.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Do you want to directly influence how the European Commission supports policymakers to try new ideas?
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
We used AI to scan thousands of signals in low-carbon heating.
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
Mission Radar: emerging trends and signals in affordable low-carbon heating
Innovations to improve the affordability of low-carbon heating
www.nesta.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
We used AI to scan thousands of signals in low-carbon heating.
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
A clear plan is needed to fix the UK's slow progress on heat decarbonisation.
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
Delivering clean heat: a policy plan
Nesta sets out a comprehensive view of what the new Government should do to decarbonise homes and the choices it faces
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 AM
A clear plan is needed to fix the UK's slow progress on heat decarbonisation.
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Reposted by Nesta
Happy to share my first piece of analysis work with the Discovery team at @nestauk.bsky.social on 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿!
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
October 20, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Happy to share my first piece of analysis work with the Discovery team at @nestauk.bsky.social on 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿!
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
Decades of research show that early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes - and parenting plays a crucial role.
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
October 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Decades of research show that early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes - and parenting plays a crucial role.
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Reposted by Nesta
Heating engineers: With @nestauk.bsky.social's Start At Home initiative, you can get up to £7,500 funding towards a heat pump to install in your own home.
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Start at Home
www.startathome.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Heating engineers: With @nestauk.bsky.social's Start At Home initiative, you can get up to £7,500 funding towards a heat pump to install in your own home.
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
This month, we hit the road for the 2025 party conferences 🎙️
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
October 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
This month, we hit the road for the 2025 party conferences 🎙️
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
How can museums help support early-years learning and development?
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
Mini Wonders: unlocking the social value of museums for families
Working with museum partners and early-years professionals to develop and enhance the programme for caregivers and children
www.nesta.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How can museums help support early-years learning and development?
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
Weight loss drugs have surged in popularity over recent years.
But while they are effective for helping people lose weight, their limitations mean we can't rely on jabs alone for tackling obesity.
We’ve dived into the data to explore the role of weight loss drugs in reducing UK obesity levels ⤵️
But while they are effective for helping people lose weight, their limitations mean we can't rely on jabs alone for tackling obesity.
We’ve dived into the data to explore the role of weight loss drugs in reducing UK obesity levels ⤵️
Silver bullet or sticking plaster? Weight-loss drugs and the UK's obesity crisis
Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic have surged in popularity over recent years. But while they are effective for helping people lose weight, their various limitations mean that policymakers m...
bit.ly
October 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Weight loss drugs have surged in popularity over recent years.
But while they are effective for helping people lose weight, their limitations mean we can't rely on jabs alone for tackling obesity.
We’ve dived into the data to explore the role of weight loss drugs in reducing UK obesity levels ⤵️
But while they are effective for helping people lose weight, their limitations mean we can't rely on jabs alone for tackling obesity.
We’ve dived into the data to explore the role of weight loss drugs in reducing UK obesity levels ⤵️
🎙️ What are the big policy ideas shaping the debate at Conservative party conference?
Here's our policy team discussing the key policy ideas that we heard, and what else should be on the table ⤵️
🗓️ Explore our full programme: https://lnkd.in/eG4KT3igr
Here's our policy team discussing the key policy ideas that we heard, and what else should be on the table ⤵️
🗓️ Explore our full programme: https://lnkd.in/eG4KT3igr
October 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🎙️ What are the big policy ideas shaping the debate at Conservative party conference?
Here's our policy team discussing the key policy ideas that we heard, and what else should be on the table ⤵️
🗓️ Explore our full programme: https://lnkd.in/eG4KT3igr
Here's our policy team discussing the key policy ideas that we heard, and what else should be on the table ⤵️
🗓️ Explore our full programme: https://lnkd.in/eG4KT3igr
The long-awaited Warm Homes plan is expected to launch in October, and it will be one of the government’s most important and challenging policy plans.
A new blog by Nesta's @acjsissons.bsky.social outlines the 7 tests the plan must meet to tackle fuel poverty, energy bills and decarbonisation:
A new blog by Nesta's @acjsissons.bsky.social outlines the 7 tests the plan must meet to tackle fuel poverty, energy bills and decarbonisation:
Seven tests for the government’s Warm Homes plan
Accelerating the switch from gas to electricity, make electricity cheaper, and balancing electrification with insulation are key policies that could reduce bills and carbon emissions for households
www.nesta.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The long-awaited Warm Homes plan is expected to launch in October, and it will be one of the government’s most important and challenging policy plans.
A new blog by Nesta's @acjsissons.bsky.social outlines the 7 tests the plan must meet to tackle fuel poverty, energy bills and decarbonisation:
A new blog by Nesta's @acjsissons.bsky.social outlines the 7 tests the plan must meet to tackle fuel poverty, energy bills and decarbonisation:
Reposted by Nesta
The Warm Homes Plan is coming, and it should provide a lot of answers and new details to how the Government will tackle the issues of energy bills, fuel poverty and emissions from homes.
@acjsissons.bsky.social sets out seven tests to judge the merits of the plan
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/seven-t...
@acjsissons.bsky.social sets out seven tests to judge the merits of the plan
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/seven-t...
Seven tests for the government’s Warm Homes plan
Accelerating the switch from gas to electricity, make electricity cheaper, and balancing electrification with insulation are key policies that could reduce bills and carbon emissions for households
www.nesta.org.uk
September 30, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The Warm Homes Plan is coming, and it should provide a lot of answers and new details to how the Government will tackle the issues of energy bills, fuel poverty and emissions from homes.
@acjsissons.bsky.social sets out seven tests to judge the merits of the plan
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/seven-t...
@acjsissons.bsky.social sets out seven tests to judge the merits of the plan
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/seven-t...
How can halving obesity in the UK also help to narrow health inequalities?
At Nesta, we’re working to halve obesity by 2030 with a population-level approach. Read more on why we think this is the most equitable way to reduce obesity. https://bit.ly/4pRtnEY
At Nesta, we’re working to halve obesity by 2030 with a population-level approach. Read more on why we think this is the most equitable way to reduce obesity. https://bit.ly/4pRtnEY
How does Nesta’s mission to halve obesity by 2030 relate to health inequalities?
Why a population-level approach can create the largest real-world improvements in obesity across the UK population
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How can halving obesity in the UK also help to narrow health inequalities?
At Nesta, we’re working to halve obesity by 2030 with a population-level approach. Read more on why we think this is the most equitable way to reduce obesity. https://bit.ly/4pRtnEY
At Nesta, we’re working to halve obesity by 2030 with a population-level approach. Read more on why we think this is the most equitable way to reduce obesity. https://bit.ly/4pRtnEY