Research Stories
Nicola McEwen - Inside the UK’s Intergovernmental Relations
Professor of Public Policy and Governance Nicola McEwen explains her work with the Centre of Public Policy, navigating complex relationships between governments, nations, and citizens in the UK and beyond. In this conversation, Nicola chats devolution, intergovernmental relations, and the politics of place.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
How does impartial research shape real-world decisions? Nick Bruce sits down with Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy and a leading expert on territorial politics and multi-level governance, to demystify how evidence informs government without taking sides. Nicola explains how she safeguards intellectual independence while advising ministers, how the Centre’s “policy labs” bring unlikely partners together to depolarise thorny issues like net zero, and why constitutional language and intergovernmental relations matter more than most of us realise.
If you’ve ever wondered how universities help turn research into change - calmly, rigorously and impartially, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode:
- The role of impartial academic advice in informing governments and political debate.
- How the Centre for Public Policy is tackling global challenges like inequality and net zero.
- Why political language and “constructive ambiguity” matter in policymaking.
- The importance of universities as conveners for collaboration and real-world change.
Guest Bio
Professor Nicola McEwen is a Professor of Public Policy and Governance and Director of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow. Nicola’s work spans intergovernmental relations, territorial politics, nationalism, multi-level government and policy-making, and multi-level parties and elections. She is actively involved in informing debate within the wider policy and political community, providing analysis in broadcast, print and social media. Nicola also provides advice to governments and parliamentary committees.
Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.
