Hello! I’m Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia, and I recently joined City-REDI, Business School, as a Research Fellow. My work focuses on fostering inclusive innovation and bridging socio-economic gaps through evidence-based research and policy development. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and ideas to this dynamic research centre.
A Career Rooted in Research and Policy
My career has been shaped by a commitment to tackling complex societal challenges through research and policy. My academic journey began with a PhD in Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, funded by the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT). For my PhD, I examined the lived experiences of Prospera, Mexico’s largest conditional cash transfer program. Through interviews and critical realist methodologies, I developed a new framework to better understand the relational and material dimensions of poverty. That experience taught me how research can directly inform and improve social welfare policies.
From there, I expanded my scope to include industrial innovation and entrepreneurship. While working at Nesta, I co-led an evaluation of community organising’s role in supporting migrant micro-enterprises in the region. This project influenced public procurement strategies in Birmingham and supported the development of multilingual public health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), I focused on the inclusion of migrant entrepreneurs. My research produced actionable insights for fostering trust-based legitimacy within business ecosystems, and I loved seeing how these efforts supported real-world improvements in diversity and inclusion, such as the inclusion of a trial of community organising as a mainstream business support set up at Aston University, Business School.
Internationally, my work has spanned various organisations and themes. At UNESCO’s Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi), I researched higher education’s role in addressing inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Earlier in my career, I contributed to a project on the spread of regulatory agencies across Europe at the Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI). Each of these roles strengthened my belief in the power of evidence-based policy to create meaningful change.
A New Chapter at City-REDI
Joining City-REDI feels like the perfect next step in my career. It’s an incredible opportunity to focus on projects that align with my commitment to inclusive innovation and regional development.
Leading the Inclusive Innovation Agenda
One of my primary roles at City-REDI is leading the Inclusive Innovation strand of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP), taking after Chloe Billing who is on maternity leave. This exciting project runs until 2026, and focuses on developing frameworks and toolkits to strengthen local innovation ecosystems. My work here involves collaborating with local leaders, community stakeholders, businesses, and academics to co-create policies that address regional disparities and promote sustainable growth.
I particularly enjoy the challenge of turning complex data into practical solutions that can be implemented by policymakers and practitioners. It’s rewarding to know that the work I do can directly contribute to improving the lives of people in the West Midlands and beyond.
Supporting Regional Health Tech Innovation
I’m also involved in the evaluation of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), an initiative that supports the growth of health technologies in the region. This project brings together an impressive network of 20 partners, including academia, industry, and the NHS. My role includes conducting case study analysis and supporting with assessing the accelerator’s impact on the regional health tech sector. I find it fascinating to see how targeted support can drive innovation in such a critical area of development.
Why City-REDI?
City-REDI is a place where evidence-based research meets real-world impact, and that’s what drew me here. The centre’s focus on inclusive growth and its collaborative approach to research resonate deeply with my own values. I’m particularly inspired by how City-REDI connects academic expertise with practical applications, creating solutions that truly make a difference.
I’m also excited to work with such a multidisciplinary team of experts. The opportunity to collaborate across fields and contribute to the West Midlands’ economic and social development through place-based innovation, is incredibly motivating. Together, I believe we can create meaningful change.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, my goal is to deepen our understanding of how local innovation ecosystems can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Currently, through my work with LPIP and WMHTIA, I aim to co-create strategies and frameworks that not only meet immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.
Whether it’s analysing data, engaging with diverse communities, or shaping policy recommendations, I want my work to bridge the gap between research and practice. My hope is that these efforts will inspire positive change both locally and regionally
A Legacy of Impact
I see my role at City-REDI as an opportunity to build on everything I’ve learned throughout my career. From social policy to industrial innovation, my journey has been about finding ways to make research matter. At City-REDI, I’m excited to continue that mission, advancing inclusive innovation and helping to create a future where growth and opportunity are accessible to all.
I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead—and to making a lasting impact at City-REDI.
This blog was written by Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia , Research Fellow, City-REDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the author and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.