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This report is a comprehensive mapping of creative technology hubs in Germany and presents insights into their potential for (and interest in) engaging in inclusive practice with migrants who have arrived in Germany in the past 10 years. The research includes scoping interviews with sector bodies, detailed desk research, and interviews with selected creative tech hubs and migrant organisations.
Oral histories
(2025)
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. In 2025, Economic Research Services Ltd (ERS) was commissioned by the British Council to explore its 75th anniversary and 90th anniversary oral history collections. The aims were to gain insight into the history, approach and impact of the British Council, as well as its role, remit and reception within the wider landscape of the UK’s international relationships.
This report is not intended to be a ‘dry’ and purely factual institutional retelling of the British Council’s operation. Rather, it is about bringing out the personal stories, emotions, experiences and subjective reflections of the interviewees. Via a sample of fifteen 90th anniversary collection interviews and eleven 75th anniversary collection interviews, thematic analysis was undertaken, which surfaced a number of high-level themes. This report presents these themes.
Strengthening UK Soft Power
(2025)
The result of collaboration between 20 of the UK’s biggest soft power assets, ‘Strengthening UK Soft Power: Strategic Recommendations’ explores the significant benefits that the UK reaps from its soft power, from supporting international peace and security, to boosting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s relationship with Europe. Harnessing these benefits will be critical for the UK to meet the challenges of an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment.
Holding Space for Conflict
(2024)
This article analyses the Conflictorium – Museum of Conflict, founded in 2013, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and its use of museum space both within its designated location and the broader socio-spatial surroundings of the neighborhood and city. The museum is discussed as a site that offers space to experience and engage with conflicts about religion, citizenship, caste, identity and belonging in the historically and contemporary, polyphonic processes of Indian nation-making. By unpacking four, partially interrelated, dimensions of spatial transformations in the Conflictorium, the article offers an empirically-grounded understanding of museums’ different spatial strategies to convene information, create affective atmospheres and memories about contentious aspects of contemporary Indian society that might not be attended to in state-run museum or political discourse. In sum, the article argues that museum spaces can function as socio-spatial and -technological infrastructures that forge for the cultivation of consciousness about conflict, and the radical interrelatedness of India’s diverse social fabric.
Human-centred AI
(2025)
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform education, organisations in the sector must develop strategies to cope with this change and learn to use new technologies to their advantage. While the increasingly powerful capabilities of AI may be seen as a threat by many, they also present an invaluable opportunity to innovate. In the context of language teaching, learning and assessment (TLA), AI can push the boundaries of what has been possible until today, enabling new approaches that can make the whole learning journey more engaging, personalised and efficient.
In this paper we advocate for a human-centred approach to selecting and implementing AI technologies in English language teaching, learning and assessment. This approach prioritises learner needs for a responsible, fair, and inclusive application of AI. Key themes include the role of teachers, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the AI literacy of everyone involved in the learning process. The paper emphasises equitable access to AI, fostering personalised learning for diverse educational needs. We advocate for technology to be leveraged as an important and supportive tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker.
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated a shift to hybrid and digital-first approaches in the arts, with a focus on upskilling and new livelihood opportunities for creative professionals. Artists are pushing practices by using technologies in lighting, 3D, sensors, sound production and others.
Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts takes a closer look at 10 ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste by investigating how these intersections are leading to new practices and trends. The British Council has commissioned Creative Friction Ltd. to learn more and map these developments. Through in-depth case studies and over 60 interviews with artists, technologists, policymakers and academics, the report reveals a highly diverse region at the forefront of exciting ideas and experimentation. The study is unique as it examines developments from an artist-led perspective rather than a purely economic lens.
International Cultural Relations are still largely carried out with the help of infrastructures shaped by the legacies of European overseas colonialism. Historical reflection is essential, as are practices of relearning. Research and discussions on fair collaboration and its implications on behaviour, terminology, hierarchies and access have only started. The ICRRA 2024/2025 conference questioned epistemological orders: It explored diplomatic practices, as well as contemporary artists’ engagement with frameworks of diplomacy (Northern America), discussed how epistemological pluralism can be achieved through decolonial frameworks and structural change (Germany and Ukraine), presented research on the concept of Extalgia and festivals as paradigms of exchange (Nigeria), and debated on the role of Artivism and its potential for reimagining post-colonial narratives (Canada, Mexico, Colombia).
This grey literature publication is an essential resource for researchers and students who want to delve deeper into the topics that were presented by our specialists during the conference’s panels.
Next Generation Iraq
(2024)
This report explores the perspectives and experiences of young Iraqis as part of the British Council’s global Next Generation research initiative. Through consultations with 1,300 young people aged 18-30 from diverse backgrounds, we aimed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Next Generation’s views. The study sheds light on how young people in Iraq navigate their daily lives, envision their futures, and perceive the state of their country.
The research involved a thorough examination of existing literature, a nationally representative quantitative survey, and qualitative sessions including individual immersion sessions and group deep dives. Throughout the project, input from key stakeholders and youth representatives was gathered through a Next Generation Youth Advisory Board and youth engagement studio sessions.
The research was commissioned by the British Council and conducted by M&C Saatchi World Services with the help of local partner, Thinkbank, and with the input of the British Council team and the Youth Advisory Board.
This report explores the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of young people in Bangladesh as part of the British Council’s global Next Generation research programme. We consulted 3,081 people aged 18-35 from diverse backgrounds to ensure the research is representative and provides a holistic snapshot into the Next Generation. The study provides insight into how young people in Bangladesh navigate their daily lives, see their futures, and the condition of their country.
The study included a landscape analysis of existing literature, a nationally representative quantitative survey of 3,000 young people exploring the outlooks, priorities, aspirations, and perceived barriers to success among young people in Bangladesh, and a qualitative deep dive through an online youth community and eight community immersion case studies. The research findings are a result of a mixed-method approach exploring the socio-cultural contexts, attitudes, and aspirations of young people, as part of British Council’s Next Generation research programme amplifying youth voice globally.
It is important to acknowledge that this research was conducted before the July uprising against the backdrop of the current demographic dividend and Bangladesh’s ambition persisting ambition for national social and economic growth. It aimed to understand young people’s views as they navigate this landscape and highlight the issues that matter to them most. M&C Saatchi World Services were commissioned by the British Council to conduct this research with support by local partners and the Youth Task Force.
The research reveals the profound and multifaceted impact of the ongoing war on young Ukrainians. The war has overwhelmingly negative effects. Over half of respondents rate the impact of war as extremely high. Key areas of negative impact include a significant deterioration in quality of life, severe psychological and emotional challenges, and the disruption of social connections and educational processes.
Vulnerable groups, such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), face additional hardships like accommodation issues and high living costs.
The research identified the following interconnected primary needs:
• Security: A psychological feeling of safety determined by both the absence of violence and the stability offered through employment and secure housing.
• Economic Stability: Access to employment and financial stability.
• Accommodation: Access to quality living conditions, housing security, and stable rental prices. Accommodation is a particularly acute need for IDPs and those with diminished incomes.
