[2] Terra Nova was set up in 2008 by Olivier Ferrand (future Socialist Party deputy and former adviser to Prime Minister Lionel Jospin) in order to contribute to the intellectual renewal of left-wing politics.
[5] In the same year, another Terra Nova report proved controversial in arguing that the Left should rely less on a traditional working class electorate and more on a broad coalition of women, young people, and ethnic minorities, all united by 'Progressive Values'.
For the production on its analyses, Terra Nova relies on a broad network of external experts, largely academics, researchers, civil servants, and people with experience in relevant fields.
In 2009, it was a Terra Nova report of 2008 that was instrumental in persuading the Socialist Party to adopt a system of open primaries to choose its candidate for the 2012 Presidential Elections.
[12] Most recently, Terra Nova has called for major investment in pre-school and early childhood as one of the best ways to promote social mobility and more equal life chances.