Government Affairs

The mandate of the Government Affairs division is to turn research into concrete results by engaging directly with relevant policymakers and effectively shaping the policy agenda.

The activities undertaken by Government Affairs are focused on political engagement and influence:

• Craft: The team crafts narratives that resonate specifically with political target audiences.

• Place: Findings are strategically placed in the media, utilizing formats like op-eds, broadcast, and digital channels.

• Brief: Government Affairs professionals brief ministers, SpAds, and key stakeholders with concise, necessary insights.

• Build: The function works to build crucial coalitions across think tanks, advocacy groups, and industry partners.

Value Proposition

Government Affairs is vital for ensuring that ASI ideas achieve credibility inside government. The division successfully positions the research as solution-ready policy options for implementation. Furthermore, this function leverages ASI’s established and long-standing role as a trusted, go-to resource for ministers and advisers.

Team and Expertise

Adam Smith Insights benefits from the extensive policy and data expertise inherent in the core team of the Adam Smith Institute.

The polling efforts are led by Emma Schubart, who serves as a data scientist and researcher. Emma’s extensive background includes leading analytics and investigative research across areas such as public policy, security, market research, and major project delivery. She previously acted as a Research Associate at JL Partners, advising both corporate and political clients on public sentiment related to foreign affairs, energy, and healthcare. Prior to that, as a Data Scientist at Oxford Global Projects, her work helped public and private sector clients effectively manage capital exposure and delivery uncertainty across energy and infrastructure portfolios.

The wider strategic expertise includes James Price, who previously served as a senior adviser at HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office. James Lawson, an industry expert on AI, serves as the Chairman of the ASI. Additionally, the Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi, who is the former Chancellor of the Exchequer and founder of YouGov, acts as a Patron of the Institute. Adam Smith Insights is also expanding its intellectual capacity with the addition of Mitchell Palmer, an adviser to the Government of New Zealand, who joined the organization in July