Founded in 1977, the Adam Smith Institute quickly established itself as one of the UK’s foremost economic think-tanks and a leader in promoting free market economics. Named after the famous Scottish economist and headquartered in Westminster, the ASI rose to prominence in the 1980s pioneering the principles of privatization, contracting out, tax reduction and internal markets in health and education. Today, as a non-partisan and non-profit organization led by Dr Madsen Pirie and Dr Eamonn Butler, the ASI focuses on promoting economic and social policies through online reports and briefings, monthly meetings, and annual conferences.

In 2009 the ASI unveiled of the first major public monument to its namesake Dr Adam Smith in Edinburgh. Placed fittingly in a historic and ancient marketplace, the ten foot bronze statue set on stone now sits at the center of the city where Smith worked and died. Known as the “father of economics,” Smith published the groundbreaking economic treatise The Wealth of Nations in 1776. The monument rightly commemorates the great Scottish philosopher, economist, and author who contributed greatly to the studies of society and economics.

Recently, the ASI celebrated Tax Freedom Day on 2 June. This celebration marks the day the ASI has calculated the average taxpayer has finally completed working the five months of necessary labour in order to pay their taxes.

The ASI encourages students to be come involved both as subscribers and as participants in their regular meetings through The Next Generation, the Institute’s organization for student involvement. The Next Generation meets on the first Tuesday of each month to hear from speakers. Recent speakers have included the Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, and Bill Emmott (former Editor of The Economist).

Twice a year the ASI also hosts the Independent Seminar on the Open Society which students can attend and participate in. The conference is limited to 200 students and presents political and economic material consistent with A-level and AS-level studies, which challenges students to grow in their understanding of the issues. Politicians across the political divide as well as think-tankers, economists, and national media personalities both talk and are quizzed by students.

Beyond hosting conferences, the website for the Adam Smith Institute provides a wealth of economic and political resources. Publications include downloadable PDF files, briefings, and think pieces on topics such as fair trade, welfare, privatization, civil liberties, the NHS, the flat tax rate, and healthcare reform. It also provides profiles of leading economic thinkers such as Adam Smith, Friedrich von Hayek, and Milton Friedman to give students an introduction and understanding of these brilliant economic minds.

For more information, please visit:

Website: http://www.adamsmith.org/
Blog: http://www.adamsmith.org/blog/
The Next Generation: http://www.adamsmith.org/the-next-generation/
Tax Freedom Day: http://www.adamsmith.org/tax-freedom-day/
Publications: http://www.adamsmith.org/publications/
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7222 4995
Email: info@adamsmith.org
Address: Adam Smith Institute, 23 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BL