Join us at Manchester Central Library for a National Productivity Week 2026 event to showcase The Productivity Institute’s seven integrated research programmes, designed to strengthen the UK’s evidence base on what drives productivity, what holds it back and how it can be improved.
The research combines large-scale data analysis, international comparison and firm- and place-based case studies to address persistent challenges such as skills mismatches, weak investment, uneven regional performance and the slow diffusion of knowledge and innovation.
Structured around the themes of People, Firms, and Institutions and the Economic System, the programmes explore how productivity improvements can deliver better outcomes in practice. They examine how skills are developed and used, how firms manage digital and net-zero transitions and new business models, and how finance, governance and spatial policy shape long-term growth across places.
Together, the programmes aim to generate practical insights for policymakers, businesses and regional leaders seeking inclusive and sustainable productivity growth.
Please note, a copy of the summary report of the TPI research of the past two years will be available at the event.
What to Expect:
Presentations - Hear from experts introducing The Productivity Institute’s seven research programmes, each addressing a key set of challenges shaping UK productivity.
- Mary O’Mahony: TPI Research Director and Professor of Applied Economics, King’s Business School, King's College London
- Stephen Roper: Professor of Enterprise at the University of Warwick and Director of the Enterprise Research Centre
- Philip McCann: Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester
- Paul Mizen: Professor in Economics and Vice Dean, Research, King’s Business School, King's College London
Policy Panel - Engage with national partners discussing how policy and practice can support inclusive, sustainable and impactful productivity growth.
- Diane Coyle: Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge
- Anton Muscatelli: President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Distinguished Honorary Professor, Adam Smith Business School
- Anna Valero: Professor in Practice and Director of the Growth Programme at the CEP, London School of Economics
- Nadim Ahmad: Deputy Director at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE)
The event will be moderated by Bart van Ark, TPI Managing Director and Professor of Productivity Studies, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
Agenda:
- 1:30-2:00: Welcome refreshments and networking
- 2:00-3:30: Presentations
- 3:30-4:00: Break
- 4:00-4:45: Policy panel discussion and Q&A
- 4:45-5:30: Refreshments and networking
Networking Drinks - Continue the conversation over teas and coffees at the end of the event. This is a chance to meet fellow attendees, connect with researchers and policymakers, exchange insights and build professional relationships in a relaxed setting.
About National Productivity Week:
- National Productivity Week is a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for people, firms and places across the UK. This national campaign brings together leading researchers, policy thinkers, industry partners and regional voices to kick off a week of new report launches, debate and knowledge sharing.
- This year’s overarching theme for National Productivity Week, “Better outcomes for people, firms and places,” reflects The Productivity Institute’s mission to ensure that productivity improvements translate into real benefits: higher living standards, better quality jobs, stronger business performance and more prosperous local economies.
Please note that this event will take place in person only at Manchester Central Library.
