Context
SCENE was set up in 2023 to focus on the use of economics to support social care. It continues to grow and, following the session at the NIHR Economics Group launch in Manchester in October 2025, another 4 economists joined the network, taking the total to over 80.
Sub-group session - launch event
The session described social care and the use of economics as a framework for thinking about the challenges it faces.
During the session, the following topics were covered:
- the origins and purpose of SCENE
- the aims of the network and the activities carried out so far
- future plans for the sub-group
- potential and ongoing research opportunities and collaborations in social care for economists
- the 3 shifts and what they mean for social care and social care economics.
Participants shared their ideas and feedback.
Future plans
Looking forward, building on SCENE's current activities and members will help ensure that the network remains relevant and responsive to the needs of social care and the priorities of economists seeking to generate meaningful research in the field.
Every quarter, the group meets online, engaging in webinars and group discussions on social care economics topics.
The aim continues to be to learn together, share viewpoints and networks, and to see the bigger picture in terms of social care and more broadly how social care connects to bring value to other parts of the economy, based on economic thinking.
