Publications

Through our research, reports and opinion pieces, we give our latest insights into  important  global questions and trends facing individuals, nations, businesses and communities. We look at the ways in which cultural relations can help tackle some of the major issues of today through co-operation and exchange in culture and education.

 

 

 
The English Effect: The impact of English, what it's worth to the UK and why it matters to the world
 
This publication examines how English has become a global language. It highlights its economic value to the UK, its impact on the lives of individuals, how it contributes to growth and stability in developing countries, and why more young people should be encouraged to teach it overseas.
 
 
You can also see the English Effect exhibition on which this publication is based.
 
Have a look too at how the world’s other global language – football – helps people around the world learn English, courtesy of the British Council and Barclays Premier League.
 
 
Influence and Attraction: Culture and the race for soft power in the 21st century
 
This report examines the latest data and trends in the field of international cultural relations, provides ways of understanding this growing field and makes suggestions for countries that wish to enhance their global standing through culture.
 
Influence and Attraction (PDF 5.3MB)
 

Watch the highlights of the debate at the soft power report launch in London or the author, John Holden's, presentation of the soft power report's findings.

You can also have a look at the transcript or download the audio of the whole debate from our blog.

 

 
Read the Culture Means Business research
Culture Means Business: How international cultural relationships contribute to increased trade and competitiveness for the UK
 
This report shows that culture is key to UK commerce in two ways: people overseas who have experienced UK culture are significantly more interested in doing business with the UK; and they also rate the country more highly as a business destination. The report is based on research carried out for the British Council by IpsosMori and YouGov.
 
 
 
Read the Culture at Work research
Culture at Work: The value of intercultural skills in the workplace
 

This report, produced in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton and Ipsos Public Affairs, looks at the importance employers place on intercultural skills. It shows that employers value intercultural skills as highly as formal qualifications; as well as recognising the tangible business benefits of having a workforce with such skills, they see the clear risks associated with employees lacking them.

Culture at Work (PDF 2.1MB)

Watch a related session from Going Global, the international higher education conference.

 

Voices of the People publicationVoices of the People: Culture, Conflict and Change in North Africa
 
This publication presents the most important insights from a research project carried out for us by the Post-War Reconstruction and Development Unit at the University of York. It suggests that the UK arts community can help shore up fragile changes in the region and build a sustainable cultural ecosystem.
 
 
Watch interviews with arts practitioners from the UK and North Africa:
 
 

Trust Pays 

Based on new international research undertaken with Ipsos MORI and YouGov, the British Council's Trust Pays report considers questions such as: 'How trusted is the UK?' 'Does cultural exchange shape opinions of Britain?' 'Does the level of trust have an impact on trade?'

Trust Pays report (PDF 2MB)

Watch a recording of the debate about Trust Pays

 

'The power of culture to change lives' coverThe Power of Culture to Change Lives

Why culture should be at the heart of efforts to tackle some of the key challenges facing the international community. This was produced for the Edinburgh Culture Ministers Summit in August 2012.

The Power of Culture to Change Lives (PDF 2MB)

The Edinburgh International Culture Summit