Des McNulty is an assistant vice-principal for economic development and civic engagement at the University of Glasgow and dean for knowledge exchange and public policy. He is also vice chair of the Commission for Economic Growth, set up to advise the local authorities in the Glasgow region on infrastructure investment, economic strategy and inclusive growth. His academic work focuses on equalities and poverty issues and the emergence of "intelligent cities." He previously chaired the Glasgow Healthy Cities Partnership and has worked as an advisor for the WHO, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Oxfam in a variety of countries. He has held senior elected positions in local government and served for twelve years in the Scottish Parliament where he chaired the Parliament's Finance Committee for five years and twice served as minister for social justice. He is a sociologist who has worked in higher education throughout his career, other than the time spent as a parliamentarian. He is particularly interested in collaborative governance and on developing techniques including effective use of evidence to support better policy making and implementation.