Stockholm Network

The Stockholm Network is a working group of more than 120 market-oriented think tanks from across Europe. It calls itself "a one-stop shop for organisations seeking to work with Europe’s brightest policymakers and thinkers" and claims to have "the capacity to deliver local messages and locally-tailored global messages across the EU and beyond."^[1] The network churns out thousands of op-eds in the "high-quality European press", produces hundreds of publications and holds several conferences, seminars and meetings to "influence many millions of Europeans every year."^[2] Helen Disney the Stockholm Network's founder and director describes it as "not a think tank, as such, but a networking service for think tanks across Europe."^[3]

Writing in The Times in December 2005, Paul Staines wrote that the Stockholm Network, "turns out to be in fact the public face of Market House International, a PR consultancy that tells corporate clients that the network gives it 'local capacity to deliver both local messages and locally tailored global messages in a wide range of countries'." ^[4]

Aims and Policy Issues

The Network is described as a forum for "sharing, exchanging and developing pan-European research and best practice."^[5] In order to promote ideas to stimulate economic growth, the Stockholm Network concentrates on the following policy issues:

Reforming European welfare states and creating a more flexible labour market
Updating European pension systems to empower individuals
Ensuring more consumer-driven healthcare, through reform of European health systems and markets
Encouraging an informed debate on intellectual property rights as an incentive to innovate and develop new knowledge in the future, whilst ensuring wide public access to such products in the present
Reforming European energy markets to ensure the most beneficial balance between economic growth and environmental quality
Emphasising the benefits of globalisation, trade and competition and creating an understanding of free market ideas and institutions.^[6]

History

The Stockholm Network was founded in September 1997 by Helen Disney, ^[7] a British journalist and policy specialist, and initially managed by the Swedish think tank, Timbro. Disney had landed a job with the pro market think tank the Social Market Foundation in 1996, a year after gaining an undergraduate degree at Brisol University in languages. It was while she was at the SMF that the Stockholm Network was created and launched. In early versions of the SN website the SMF is listed as one of four 'main groups' of the network along with Timbro (Sweden), Paradigmes (France) and The Centre for the New Europe (a pan-European think tank based in Brussels, Belgium).^[8]

It later became part of Civitas, which was formerly known as the Health and Welfare Unit of the Institute for Economic Affairs. It has been independently run since 2004. ^[9] Early aims (which extend to present day) were:

"to find an efficient method of connecting like-minded policymakers and thinkers; to encourage collaboration on joint research projects in order to share the most successful policy innovations and arguments more widely; and to ensure a wider audience and a more co-ordinated approach to the dissemination of market-oriented ideas within Europe and beyond its borders."^[10]

Funding

According to its website, the Stockholm Network receives funding from a variety of individuals, corporations, trade associations and foundations:

’A mixture of for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, some SN supporters are large global enterprises, while others are small or medium in size. Subscriptions from individuals, commercial enterprises, and a range of NGOs make up the bulk of our funding. We also derive a small income from the sale of our publications and research materials to the public, bookshops, government agencies and private companies. Corporate subscribers come from a wide range of sectors that currently include information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, entertainment, public affairs, and insurers.’^[11]

Funders, however, ‘do not have a veto over the outcome of Stockholm Network research or any influence over its media output.’ The network maintains that it does not accept payments intended to ‘purchase’ prearranged research outcomes. It also insists it is not a ‘front group’ for other organisations or individuals and that contributors are listed in full on its annual report and website. ^[12]

The Corporate Europe Observatory give the following description of an e-mail exchange with Helen Disney regarding the funding of the Stockholm Network:

The Stockholm Network is funded, Disney explained, "by annual subscriptions from private individuals, companies and foundations, including think tanks". When we responded asking for a list of funders and how much they contribute, Disney told us that the Stockholm Network has "around 25 major funders across a variety of sectors including public affairs firms, venture capitalists, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, trade associations, software companies and the energy sector." Still no names and no figures, although Disney did add that sponsors "do not have a veto over any research we conduct and may not commission research from the Network". When we insisted once more on names and figures, the response was that "I cannot give you the information you ask for since our accounts for 2004 will not be completed for another month". We then suggested that Disney could send us the overview for 2003, to give us an idea, but also this proved to be impossible. Disney argued that until January 2004, the Stockholm Network was technically part of the think tank Civitas, "so did not have its own accounts." At this stage, Disney did inform us about the Stockholm Network's annual subscription charges of £1000, £5000 or £10,000 per year. "Larger corporate donors tend to join at the £10,000 level", she explained. The Stockholm Network clearly took the survey seriously and spent significant amount of time responding, but with a remarkable determination to avoid naming funders^[13]

.

Funding 2005-2006

In 2005-06 The Stockholm Network received contributions from the following individuals and organisations:

Funding 2006-2007

In 2006-07 The Stockholm Network received contributions from the following individuals and organisations:

Funding 2007-2008

In 2007-08 The Stockholm Network received contributions from the following individuals and organisations:

Members

The British connection

The network was founded in London and Stockholm, though it is operated out of London and has a large contingent of UK members. These are:

Some of these organisations are listed as part of the British conservative movement, Movement Conservatism, including the Institute of Economic Affairs, Reform, the Adam Smith Institute, Policy Exchange, Civitas, International Policy Network.^[19]

Full list of members

People

The Stockholm Network does not have a board and is owned and run by Helen Disney.^[22]

Personnel

Helen Disney, Director
Rick Nye, Company Secretary, also a director of opinion pollsters Populus
Anne Jensen, Project Officer, IP, Competition and Trade programme
Sacha Kumaria, is the Stockholm Network's Assistant Director.
Peter Nolan is the Stockholm Network Director of Environmental Affairs.
Terry O'Dwyer, Manager, Health and Welfare programme

Health and Welfare Programme

The Stockholm Network's Health and Welfare Programme was set up at the end of 2005. Key aims and objectives include:^[23]

Providing a comprehensive resource on European think tank initiatives in the field of Health and Welfare
Promoting competition and choice in healthcare, through reform of European health systems and markets
Promoting more flexible labour markets in Europe
Promoting market oriented reform of Europe's failing pensions systems

'The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions'

In 2009, the Stockholm Network published a reported, The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions, calling for the UK Government to fund the pharmaceutical industry. According to the publication written by Ross Carroll and Stuart Carroll, ‘[A] lack of government investment is another factor adversely affecting the UK pharmaceutical industry.’^[24] The report, which was a part of the ‘Stockholm Network Experts’ Series’, also called a reduction in the rate of UK corporation tax; tax credits for new product introduction and technological development; and the simplification of ‘taxation rules and reduce the burden of complex legislation and regulation through the utilisation of cutting-edge approaches.’ ^[25] The publication was allegedly criticised by other free-market think tanks. According to emails seen by the Telegraph, the head of one said: “The whole thing is mad. I cannot imagine any free market think tank now being able to stay in membership [of the Stockholm Network].” Another claimed:

"As far as I can see this is the end of the Stockholm Network as a network for European free market think tanks. It might however be the opening attempt at some sort of consultancy… Whatever, the whole thing is totally —— up: big time."^[26]

The Science-Democracy Debate

In 2005, the Stockholm Network co-sponsored the ‘Westminster Fringe Debate’ with the motion “Democratisation of science would not be in the public interest”. According to the organisers:

“Science is driven by curiosity. Would any attempt to put that under greater public scrutiny deaden scientific inquiry or must scientists now come to terms with the fears and priorities of society at large? And is public accountability a meaningful concept in science? Scientists may not know what they are going to discover when they start experimenting or to what use it may ultimately be put. Are the public qualified to determine the priorities of scientific research? Is that untrammelled freedom for science out of date and dangerous?”^[27]

Lord Dick Taverne from Sense About Science and Colin Blakemore, who was Chief Executive of the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) at the time, supported the motion which was carried.^[28]

Health Publications

2010

Paul Healy, Dr Meir Pugatch and Helen Disney authored Weathering the Storm: Central and Eastern European (CEE) Healthcare in Financial Crisis.^[29] The authors concluded:

"This paper has attempted to reiterate the successes that have been achieved in the CEE region, in regards to reforming healthcare. However, it has also highlighted the threat that is posed to CEE countries’ achievements in health by the financial crisis and an evermore uncertain fiscal future. It is argued that through the introduction of public-private partnerships, a greater mix of financing models and increased competition the obstacles posed by the financial crisis can be resolved and the future of healthcare in the region can be a continuation in the success story, as opposed to a turnaround of fortunes."

Dr David Torstensson and Dr Meir Pugatch authored Keeping Medicines Safe: A Study of the Regulations Guiding the Approval of Medicines in Emerging Markets. ^[30]

Rachel Chu and Dr Meir Pugatch authored From Test Tube to Patient: National Innovation Strategies for the Biomedical Field.^[31]

Links to American Organisations

The Stockholm Network is listed on the website for the Atlas Economic Research Foundation ^[32], an American organisation based near Washington that “serves as a catalyst and connector to link free-market organizations and individuals to the ideas, people and resources they need to promote a free society.”^[33]

Contact, References and Resources

Contact information

35 Britannia Row

London, N1 8QH

United Kingdom

Email: info@ stockholm-network.org

Phone: +44 (0)20 7354 8888

Fax: +44 (0)20 7359 8888

Web: www.stockholm-network.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stockholm-Network/135765338804

External links

Wikipedia Stockholm Network
SourceWatch Stockholm Network on SourceWatch
Corporate Europe Observatory, "Covert industry funding fuels the expansion of radical rightwing EU think tanks", July 2005.
Paul Staines, "You want policy? In cash?", The Times (London), 20 December 2005, Page 19.

Helen Disney, Karen Horn, Pavel Hrobon, Johan Hjertqvist, Alastair Kilmarnock, Andreas Mihm, Alberto Mingardi, Cécile Philippe, David Smith, Eline van den Broek, Gerrold Verhoeks Impatient for Change: European attitudes to healthcare reform 13 May 2004.

References

↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: About Us Accessed 9 April 2010
↑ Email from Helen Disney to Corporate Europe Observatory, May 31st 2005, accessed 23 Apr 2010
↑ Paul Staines, You want policy? In cash?', The Times (London), 20 December 2005, Page 19.
↑ Stockholm Network Stockholm Network: Policy Issues Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network Stockholm Network: Policy Issues Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network Home Page, Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 14 September 2000 on 22 April 2010
↑ Corporate Europe Observatory. Covert industry funding fuels the expansion of radical rightwing EU think tanks Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.
↑ Corporate Europe Observatory, Transparency unthinkable? Financial secrecy common among EU think tanks, Corporate Europe Observatory, July 2005, Accessed 21-April-2010
↑ Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2005-06, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010
↑ Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2006-07, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010
↑ Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2007-08, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010
↑ 10 Years of the Stockholm Network, The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2006/2007, The Stockholm Network, p. 13
↑ The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2007/2008, The Stockholm Network
↑ Tim Montgomerie, The growth of Britain's conservative movement, ConservativeHome, 14 March 2009.
↑ 10 Years of the Stockholm Network, The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2006/2007, The Stockholm Network, p. 13
↑ The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2007/2008, The Stockholm Network
↑ FAQs, Stockholm Network website, acc 17 Apr 2010
↑ Stockholm Networks. Health and Welfare Accessed 8 April 2010.
↑ Carroll, R. and Carroll, S. (2009). The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions. The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions Accessed 10 April 2010.
↑ Carroll, R. and Carroll, S. (2009). The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions. The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions Accessed 10 April 2010.
↑ Singleton, A. 19 January 2009. Telegraph. Free-market network demands bail-out for pharmaceutical industry Accessed 10 April 2010.
↑ Saunders, P. 4 April 2005. Institute of Science in Society. Science versus Democracy? Accessed 17 April 2010
↑ Saunders, P. 4 April 2005. Institute of Science in Society. Science versus Democracy? Accessed 17 April 2010
↑ Paul Healy, Dr Meir Pugatch and Helen Disney. 2010. [Weathering the Storm: Central and Eastern European (CEE) Healthcare in Financial Crisis] Accessed 18 April 2010.
↑ Dr David Torstensson and Dr Meir Pugatch. 2010. Keeping Medicines Safe: A Study of the Regulations Guiding the Approval of Medicines in Emerging Markets Accessed 18 April 2010.
↑ Rachel Chu and Dr Meir Pugatch. 2010. From Test Tube to Patient: National Innovation Strategies for the Biomedical Field Accessed 18 April 2010.
↑ Atlas Economic Research Foundation]. Freemarket Think Tanks Accessed 17 April 2010.
↑ Atlas Economic Research Foundation. Mission & Vision Accessed 17 April 2010.

[1] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.

[2] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: About Us Accessed 9 April 2010

[3] Email from Helen Disney to Corporate Europe Observatory, May 31st 2005, accessed 23 Apr 2010

[4] Paul Staines, You want policy? In cash?', The Times (London), 20 December 2005, Page 19.

[5] Stockholm Network Stockholm Network: Policy Issues Accessed 9 April 2010.

[6] Stockholm Network Stockholm Network: Policy Issues Accessed 9 April 2010.

[7] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.

[8] Stockholm Network Home Page, Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 14 September 2000 on 22 April 2010

[9] Corporate Europe Observatory. Covert industry funding fuels the expansion of radical rightwing EU think tanks Accessed 9 April 2010.

[10] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.

[11] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.

[12] Stockholm Network. Stockholm Network: FAQs Accessed 9 April 2010.

[13] Corporate Europe Observatory, Transparency unthinkable? Financial secrecy common among EU think tanks, Corporate Europe Observatory, July 2005, Accessed 21-April-2010

[14] Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2005-06, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010

[15] Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2006-07, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010

[16] Stockholm Network, Annual Report 2007-08, ISSU, Accessed 20-April-2010

[17] 10 Years of the Stockholm Network, The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2006/2007, The Stockholm Network, p. 13

[18] The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2007/2008, The Stockholm Network

[19] Tim Montgomerie, The growth of Britain's conservative movement, ConservativeHome, 14 March 2009.

[20] 10 Years of the Stockholm Network, The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2006/2007, The Stockholm Network, p. 13

[21] The Stockholm Network Annual Report 2007/2008, The Stockholm Network

[22] FAQs, Stockholm Network website, acc 17 Apr 2010

[23] Stockholm Networks. Health and Welfare Accessed 8 April 2010.

[24] Carroll, R. and Carroll, S. (2009). The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions. The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions Accessed 10 April 2010.

[25] Carroll, R. and Carroll, S. (2009). The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions. The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions Accessed 10 April 2010.

[26] Singleton, A. 19 January 2009. Telegraph. Free-market network demands bail-out for pharmaceutical industry Accessed 10 April 2010.

[27] Saunders, P. 4 April 2005. Institute of Science in Society. Science versus Democracy? Accessed 17 April 2010

[28] Saunders, P. 4 April 2005. Institute of Science in Society. Science versus Democracy? Accessed 17 April 2010

[29] Paul Healy, Dr Meir Pugatch and Helen Disney. 2010. [Weathering the Storm: Central and Eastern European (CEE) Healthcare in Financial Crisis] Accessed 18 April 2010.

[30] Dr David Torstensson and Dr Meir Pugatch. 2010. Keeping Medicines Safe: A Study of the Regulations Guiding the Approval of Medicines in Emerging Markets Accessed 18 April 2010.

[31] Rachel Chu and Dr Meir Pugatch. 2010. From Test Tube to Patient: National Innovation Strategies for the Biomedical Field Accessed 18 April 2010.

[32] Atlas Economic Research Foundation]. Freemarket Think Tanks Accessed 17 April 2010.

[33] Atlas Economic Research Foundation. Mission & Vision Accessed 17 April 2010.

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Stockholm Network

Contents

Aims and Policy Issues

History

Funding

Funding 2005-2006

Funding 2006-2007

Funding 2007-2008

Members

The British connection

Full list of members

People

Personnel

Health and Welfare Programme

'The UK Pharmaceutical Industry: Current Challenges and Future Solutions'

The Science-Democracy Debate

Health Publications

Links to American Organisations

Contact, References and Resources

Contact information

External links

References

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