Value of social and cultural infrastructure ‘risks being neglected in decision-making' without new measurement framework, British Academy report argues

A new report commissioned by the British Academy emphasises the urgent need for policymakers to recognise social and cultural spaces – such as libraries, leisure centres, galleries, and community hubs – as essential infrastructure that contributes directly to economic growth and the reduction of social inequalities.

The report, Measuring Social and Cultural Infrastructure was produced for the British Academy by the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. It introduces a brand-new framework for policymakers and partners to identify, measure, and safeguard these frequently undervalued community assets and the services they provide in a way not done before. The proposed framework ensures that both conventional and innovative forms of social and cultural infrastructure are accurately captured and properly recognised in policy decisions.

The British Academy’s work on social and cultural infrastructure explores how social and cultural infrastructure can play a crucial role in supporting thriving communities, improving wellbeing and resilience, and addressing policy challenges such as regional inequalities. Building on the publication of Measuring Social and Cultural Infrastructure, the Academy will continue to collaborate with policymakers and partners to explore how the framework can be applied and developed to inform future interventions.

Dominic Abrams FBA, Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Kent and academic lead for the British Academy’s social and cultural infrastructure work, said: 

“We all instinctively understand the value of community spaces like leisure centres, libraries, concert halls, and galleries, yet their true worth to society and the economy is often underestimated because we haven't had robust ways to measure it.

“This new framework addresses that challenge by treating social and cultural infrastructure with the same seriousness we give to roads, bridges, or digital networks. By clearly articulating the impact these spaces have on wellbeing and economic vitality, we can ensure they receive the investment and protection they deserve. Ignoring their value risks undermining both social cohesion and economic growth at a time when both are critically important.”

Professor Michael Kenny, Inaugural Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge, said:

“This report introduces a brand-new framework for identifying and measuring social and cultural infrastructure – assets that are vital to the social fabric of communities but often overlooked in policy and planning. It shows how this could provide help to a wide range of stakeholders – from policymakers and funders to researchers and community organisations – to map existing assets, understand better the needs of local communities, and make better decisions about which parts of a community’s infrastructure require investment and support.”