Ed Biggins
Vice-President & Head of Research
Prior to co-founding IDRN, Ed previously gained experience in research and events in a think tank in London, and now works in the UK Parliament. His areas of interest include international development in Europe, Asia and Africa and international theory, with a particular focus on the international political theory of Japan.
Ed holds a Bachelor’s with Honours in Politics and International Relations from Lancaster University and a Master’s in International Relations from The University of Sheffield, and his articles have been featured on the EUObserver and the On Think Tanks website.
In his spare time, Ed enjoys reading and learning about history and mythology.
Languages: English
Limits of My World: The politics of language
After the inclusion of ten Eastern European countries into the EU between 2004 and 2007, English replaced French as the lingua franca of the institutions in Brussels, with its importance to modern communication transcending the socio-economic levels of European society.
Refining Strategies for Raw Materials: The EU’s CRMs
For the EU to succeed in an increasingly resource-scarce world, greater self-sufficiency and defence of robust supply chains will be of paramount importance.
Wandering for Work: Trends towards flexible working and digital nomadism
Digital nomadism is becoming more prevalent than we may think. Several states in the EU have taken steps to make it a reality, and more tangibly than a hypothesised traveller on the beach.
Polluting at a Premium: The EU’s emissions trading system
With increasing mainstream financial appeal and other international trading systems being developed, the EU’s ETS will be a useful tool in the fight against climate change. Policymakers will need to remain vigilant to keep it working effectively.
From Trade Deals to Trawlers: How Brexit rocked the CFP boat
The uncertainty of Brexit provided an excuse for EU policymakers to delay reaching their sustainability targets, but it also shone a light on the outdated inadequacies of the current EU fisheries policy.
Pandemics and Persistent Politicians: The link between Covid-19 and continuity
Whilst many decisions appear rooted in social and economic issues, there is a wider trend affecting Europe’s voting populations. As citizens return to polling stations in the aftermath of the first wave, they highlight their greatest current need – the need for consistency and regularity, in a world wracked with uncertainty.
Teaching and Technology: Lessons learnt from the global learner survey
The greater utilisation of technology in education, whether to supplement or substitute physical learning in schools and universities, offers great opportunities to make valuable education more accessible to a wider audience.
Next Generation EU: The Union United
In only two months, the bloc’s leaders have agreed upon a recovery package. With the deal nearly done, now only needing to pass through the European and national parliaments, it is prudent to look at the main points of emphasis and identify the winners and losers of Next Generation EU.
Drawdowns and Diplomacy: The rationale behind US troop withdrawals from Germany
The US President’s latest proposal has been ill-communicated to German government officials and has left senior US military personnel scratching their heads. For such an important diplomatic decision, there appears to be little clarity or consensus on the real motives.
The State of the Union: How striving for a Hamiltonian ideal could divide Europe
The European Commission’s €750bn ‘Next Generation EU’ project has the potential to support Europe’s health sector and advance the EU’s environmental policy and industrial sovereignty. IDRN examines why it is vital that this package does not become Europe’s ‘Hamiltonian moment’.
The future of think tanks in a post-Covid-19 world: Looking to (social) science for the answers
Whilst medical science continues to dominate the news as national governments seek solutions to Covid-19, it is important to remember the vital role that social scientific inquiry can play in the fight against the pandemic.
The Economics of Enrolment: The effects of Covid-19 on higher education
What impact will Covid-19 have on the Higher Education sector? IDRN explores what impact an economic downturn will have on the enrollment of university students for the upcoming academic year.