Research Archives

IEA Research.

Ideas. Influence. Inspiration.

Research is at the very heart of the IEA. Our comprehensive programme of books, papers and briefings – featuring a range of writers from new authors to Nobel Prize winners – provides the intellectual framework for our extensive and far-reaching communication, education and outreach activities.

This peer–reviewed research challenges received wisdoms, questions government policies and puts forward radical free-market solutions to today’s – and tomorrow’s – economic and social problems.

The Housing Crisis: A Briefing

2 March 2016

Research

The Housing Crisis: A Briefing

Dr Kristian Niemietz

2 March 2016

New IEA briefing identifies causes of housing crisis & suggests solutions

Summary: Since 1970, average house prices have risen four and a half fold after inflation. No other OECD country’s experience … Continue reading

Regulatory approaches to the sharing economy: A briefing

17 February 2016

Research

Regulatory approaches to the sharing economy: A briefing

Diego Zuluaga

17 February 2016

New IEA briefing explains the economic principles of the sharing economy

Summary: The sharing economy is based on reductions in transaction costs which enable exchanges that were previously not possible. Sharing … Continue reading

Without Delay: Getting Britain’s Railways Moving

10 February 2016

Research

Without Delay: Getting Britain’s Railways Moving

Dr Richard Wellings

10 February 2016

Abolishing Network Rail could save families £180 each year

Summary: The renationalisation of rail infrastructure has not been a success. Network Rail has been plagued by crisis after crisis, … Continue reading

2016 Index of Economic Freedom

9 February 2016

Research

2016 Index of Economic Freedom

Terry Miller & Anthony B. Kim

9 February 2016

The twenty-second edition of the Heritage Foundation's popular survey of economic liberty

The results of the 2016 Index of Economic Freedom find that Europe became less economically free last year, with factors … Continue reading

Pensions tax reform: a briefing

6 February 2016

Research

Pensions tax reform: a briefing

Philip Booth and Ryan Bourne

6 February 2016

Flat-rate pensions ‘tax relief’ would be devoid of any economic rationale

Summary: Calls to overhaul pension tax relief by scrapping higher rates of relief and setting a so-called ‘flat rate’ ‘tax … Continue reading

Seeing Red: Traffic Controls and the Economy

25 January 2016

Research

Seeing Red: Traffic Controls and the Economy

Martin Cassini and Richard Wellings

25 January 2016

Rip out 80% of traffic lights to boost economy and road safety

Summary: Not only is a high proportion of traffic regulation detrimental to road safety, the economy and the environment, it … Continue reading

Private Hire Regulations Review: Response to Consultation and further proposals

20 January 2016

Research

Private Hire Regulations Review: Response to Consultation and further proposals

Diego Zuluaga

20 January 2016

New IEA briefing explains why proposed hire regulation would harm competition

On 30 September, Transport for London (TfL) launched a consultation on its review of the regulations covering private hire vehicles … Continue reading