Latest thinking

A big opportunity - likely to be missed

Blog

12 Dec 2012

Matthew Taylor

There is only a weak correlation between the publicity sought and gained for a policy announcement and the impact made by that policy. For example, the encouragement of free schools is a headline Coalition policy, yet not only is the proportion of pupils so far enrolled in these schools a tiny fraction but many free schools may end up providing an education not easy to distinguish from other Academies and maintained schools. In contrast - as Paul Johnson argued yesterday - apparently small changes in tax incentives can lead to major shifts  in behaviour and revenues.

Jumping the impoverished shark

Blog

10 Dec 2012

Matthew Taylor

The phrase ‘jumping the shark’ describes the moment when a popular TV show overstretches its founding concept and begins the process of decline. I am starting to wonder whether George Osborne jumped the shark last week.

Ageing Society: Where are you in the decision ecology?

Blog

10 Dec 2012

Our society is ageing, and the scale of our demographic challenge is immense. To choose just one of several striking projections, between now and 2050, the number of people over the age of eighty will triple to around eight million.

Do We Get the Politics We Deserve?

Blog

10 Dec 2012

Tom Brookes FRSA guest blogs about a recent RSA Fellowship event during Parliament Week.  Find out what happened, and what he thought:

Dangerous striving

Blog

06 Dec 2012

Matthew Taylor

Today’s blog probably makes me sound like Dave Spart, so apologies in advance to those of a tender or neo-liberal persuasion….

Take the high road?

Blog

04 Dec 2012

Matthew Taylor

Thanks to all of you who entered Friday's competition for phrases which are designed to mislead. Given my own experience of dealing with its property services and legal departments, I was very tempted by 'Lambeth the co-operative council' but in the end I plumped for Benjamin and 'your call is important to us'. Having spent over twenty hours in the last month trying unsuccessfully to get through to Virgin broadband customer support, I dedicate the award to Sir Richard Branson. Benjamin, if you email Barbara ([email protected]) we can arrange for you to get the wine.

New internship opportunity at the RSA

Blog

04 Dec 2012

Benedict Dellot

A new paid internship opportunity has arisen within the RSA's Action and Research Centre.

Obfuscating on thin ice

Blog

30 Nov 2012

Matthew Taylor

Sometimes it just falls into one’s lap. The other day I spoke to the Content Marketing Association. My speech on authentic communication was in need of an opening line when, the day before the event, I received a hamper from Fortnum & Mason including a card on which was written:

How to run an FRSA 'Reboot' session - guest blog

Blog

30 Nov 2012

Sixty RSA Fellows enjoyed an evening of lightning talks and speed networking at 3Space in Oxford Street - and heard about a range of innovative and exciting Fellow-led projects. London Fellow - and Regional Digital Champion - Jemima Gibbons guest blogs about the event, and how to organise one yourself.