The ISG was a key organisation in the creation of the Radical Independence Campaign, which was established at its founding conference in 2012. In the run up to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 the ISG through its involvement in RIC advocated a progressive and left-wing perspective on supporting Scottish independence. The ISG championed close cooperation and unity with other organisations and individuals perceived as being on the left of Scottish and international politics in its approach to RIC and the independence referendum.