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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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
There’s some very bad news hidden in the Ofgem price cap for January announced yesterday: the electricity to gas price ratio has jumped to 4.67, its highest level since before the energy crisis.
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
November 22, 2025 at 7:51 AM
There’s some very bad news hidden in the Ofgem price cap for January announced yesterday: the electricity to gas price ratio has jumped to 4.67, its highest level since before the energy crisis.
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
This is a big barrier to households adopting heat pumps in Britain, and threatens our climate goals
Cutting the Boiler Upgrade Scheme would be a serious mistake.
Heat pump subsidies play a crucial role in stimulating the heat pump market and moving the UK towards clean, affordable heating.
We outline seven key reasons why we still need these subsidies, drawing on our latest data analysis ⤵️
Heat pump subsidies play a crucial role in stimulating the heat pump market and moving the UK towards clean, affordable heating.
We outline seven key reasons why we still need these subsidies, drawing on our latest data analysis ⤵️
Seven reasons we still need heat pump subsidies
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
November 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Cutting the Boiler Upgrade Scheme would be a serious mistake.
Heat pump subsidies play a crucial role in stimulating the heat pump market and moving the UK towards clean, affordable heating.
We outline seven key reasons why we still need these subsidies, drawing on our latest data analysis ⤵️
Heat pump subsidies play a crucial role in stimulating the heat pump market and moving the UK towards clean, affordable heating.
We outline seven key reasons why we still need these subsidies, drawing on our latest data analysis ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
I'm looking forward to speaking at @nestauk.bsky.social & @bitglobal.bsky.social on 26 November, diving into Japan’s approach to healthy ageing – and what the UK can learn.
Join me in London or online, alongside experts from Japan and the UK in health and social care: bit.ly/3XA1iVv
Join me in London or online, alongside experts from Japan and the UK in health and social care: bit.ly/3XA1iVv
November 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
I'm looking forward to speaking at @nestauk.bsky.social & @bitglobal.bsky.social on 26 November, diving into Japan’s approach to healthy ageing – and what the UK can learn.
Join me in London or online, alongside experts from Japan and the UK in health and social care: bit.ly/3XA1iVv
Join me in London or online, alongside experts from Japan and the UK in health and social care: bit.ly/3XA1iVv
Health, early years, net zero, growth - what have been 2025’s boldest policy ideas, and why do they matter?
Come together with Nesta & BIT to reflect on the policies that defined the year - and hear sharp analysis on how they’ll shape 2026.
🗓️ 9 Dec, London .
Register 👉 https://bit.ly/4nWcXZI
Come together with Nesta & BIT to reflect on the policies that defined the year - and hear sharp analysis on how they’ll shape 2026.
🗓️ 9 Dec, London .
Register 👉 https://bit.ly/4nWcXZI
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Health, early years, net zero, growth - what have been 2025’s boldest policy ideas, and why do they matter?
Come together with Nesta & BIT to reflect on the policies that defined the year - and hear sharp analysis on how they’ll shape 2026.
🗓️ 9 Dec, London .
Register 👉 https://bit.ly/4nWcXZI
Come together with Nesta & BIT to reflect on the policies that defined the year - and hear sharp analysis on how they’ll shape 2026.
🗓️ 9 Dec, London .
Register 👉 https://bit.ly/4nWcXZI
How can Scotland’s planning system support healthier food environments & tackle obesity?
Our new report with @publichealthscot.bsky.social draws on research, stakeholder engagement & lessons learned from England to offer practical steps for integrating food environment policies into local planning.
Our new report with @publichealthscot.bsky.social draws on research, stakeholder engagement & lessons learned from England to offer practical steps for integrating food environment policies into local planning.
Planning for healthier communities: opportunities in the Scottish planning system
How Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments
bit.ly
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
How can Scotland’s planning system support healthier food environments & tackle obesity?
Our new report with @publichealthscot.bsky.social draws on research, stakeholder engagement & lessons learned from England to offer practical steps for integrating food environment policies into local planning.
Our new report with @publichealthscot.bsky.social draws on research, stakeholder engagement & lessons learned from England to offer practical steps for integrating food environment policies into local planning.
There’s been plenty of noise around the future of government-funded heating schemes - crucial to reducing UK carbon emissions and eradicating fuel poverty.
The Energy Company Obligation scheme has spent over £13bn in the last 12 years - but what has its impact been and what's next? ⤵️
The Energy Company Obligation scheme has spent over £13bn in the last 12 years - but what has its impact been and what's next? ⤵️
What is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)?
This explainer breaks down the history of the Energy Company Obligation - from its inception through to its delivery and future.
bit.ly
November 14, 2025 at 1:30 PM
There’s been plenty of noise around the future of government-funded heating schemes - crucial to reducing UK carbon emissions and eradicating fuel poverty.
The Energy Company Obligation scheme has spent over £13bn in the last 12 years - but what has its impact been and what's next? ⤵️
The Energy Company Obligation scheme has spent over £13bn in the last 12 years - but what has its impact been and what's next? ⤵️
Many organisations hesitated when AI tools first appeared.
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
Hackathon to habit: Embedding AI at Nesta and BIT | BIT
Research suggests AI could boost the UK economy by up to £400 billion by 2030. You may be sceptical of such grand promises, but this much is certain: any economic gains from AI will depend on widespre...
bit.ly
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Many organisations hesitated when AI tools first appeared.
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
How should we pay for heat pumps in future? What are the best ways to offer zero upfront cost, along with lower bills?
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
Paying for heat pumps
Exploring how innovative business and finance models could enable consumers to install a heat pump for zero or boiler-parity upfront cost
www.nesta.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 12:07 PM
How should we pay for heat pumps in future? What are the best ways to offer zero upfront cost, along with lower bills?
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
Our latest report estimates that health targets for large, out-of-home food businesses could improve the nation’s health - reducing obesity by around 2.5% over 3 years. But key policy development questions remain.
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Our latest report estimates that health targets for large, out-of-home food businesses could improve the nation’s health - reducing obesity by around 2.5% over 3 years. But key policy development questions remain.
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
As proud supporters of Figurative, we're delighted to see that the Arts & Culture Impact Fund has been extended until August 2027 with an extra £10 million - helping arts, culture, and heritage organisations design and scale solutions for real-world impact.
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
The investment period for our Arts & Culture Impact Fund (ACIF) has been extended until 2027!
Read more figurative.org.uk/news/major-i...
Thanks to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Better Society Capital, Nesta, @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social & Freelands Foundation.
Read more figurative.org.uk/news/major-i...
Thanks to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Better Society Capital, Nesta, @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social & Freelands Foundation.
Major impact investment fund for cultural and creative sector is extended for two years - Figurative
Figurative has announced that the investment period for its Arts & Culture Impact Fund (ACIF) has been extended until August 2027.
figurative.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 AM
As proud supporters of Figurative, we're delighted to see that the Arts & Culture Impact Fund has been extended until August 2027 with an extra £10 million - helping arts, culture, and heritage organisations design and scale solutions for real-world impact.
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
Targeting the health of the nation: health targets for the out-of-home food sector
An exploration of how health targets could be applied to the out-of-home sector
www.nesta.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
🇯🇵 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 ⤵️