Abbreviation SMF Type Think tank | Founder Daniel Finkelstein Registration no. 1000971 | |
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Motto "Championing ideas that marry a pro-market orientation with concern for social justice") Formation 1989; 28 years ago (1989) | ||
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is an independent British public policy think-tank based in Westminster, London. It is one of the 'Top 12 Think Tanks in Britain' and was named 'UK Think Tank of the Year' by Prospect in 2012. Its purpose is to "advance the education of the public in the economic, social and political sciences" and to "champion ideas that marry a pro-market orientation with concern for social justice". Policy ideas are based on the concept of the social market economy.
Contents
History
Founded in 1989, the organisation was cited as ‘John Major's favourite thinktank’ and two former directors, Rick Nye and Daniel Finkelstein, left to work for the Conservative Party.
In the 1990s it moved closer to New Labour, with Gordon Brown giving a speech about 'social markets' at the Foundation in 2003, and SMF publishing a paper by Gordon Brown in 2004. In 2001, Robert, Lord Skidelsky was replaced as chair by David, Lord Lipsey. It was associated with some of the policies of New Labour, particularly issues of public service reform.
In September 2010 Mary Ann Sieghart, the political and social affairs journalist, took over as Chair.
Policy goals
The SMF’s remit is to focus on domestic public policy, particularly the public services and welfare. The majority of publications are therefore focused on issues concerning education, health care and employment. However it also produces publications on wide-ranging subjects such as road-pricing, casinos and energy policy.