Another day in New Orleans at the Annual Conference of the Association of American Geographies. In my last blog, I raised the interesting question “What sort of policy is required for what sort of regional outcome?“. The answer to this question is difficult, but some of the discussions at this conference would suggest that any … Continue reading “What Sort of Policy is Required for What Sort of Regional Outcome: Reflections on the West Midlands from New Orleans”
Author: John Bryson
Professor of Enterprise and Competitiveness,
City-Region Economic Development Institute,
Birmingham Business School,
The University of Birmingham, UK
Perspectives from the AAG Annual Meeting 2018, New Orleans
This blog gives the perspective of two academics attending the AAG Annual Meeting 2018 in New Orleans. The first part of the blog is from Professor John Bryson, City-REDI, University of Birmingham, and the second part written by Dr. Vida Vanchan, State University of New York (SUNY), who is co-organising two sessions at the conference with Professor … Continue reading “Perspectives from the AAG Annual Meeting 2018, New Orleans”
Worker to Robot or Self-employment and the Gig Economy? Divisions of Labour, Technology and the Transformation of Work
The 20th century was one of great technological innovation, but the 21st century will be perhaps even more transformational. It is possible to explore the impacts of former technological changes on today’s labour market. Between 1980 and 2012 per capita world output increased, on average, by 1.7% corresponding to a cumulative growth of just over … Continue reading “Worker to Robot or Self-employment and the Gig Economy? Divisions of Labour, Technology and the Transformation of Work “
The new Tigger-like Philip Hammond: a bounce too far?
Along comes March 13 2018, and with Spring comes a new form of commentary by the Chancellor on the state of UK Plc. There was an obvious spring in this statement, driven by the slightly faster growth rate of the UK economy. There are perhaps two points to consider from the Spring statement. The first … Continue reading “The new Tigger-like Philip Hammond: a bounce too far?”
Snow, Snow, Glorious Snow: Funding and Financing Local Infrastructure in the UK
Snow, snow, glorious snow. The UK is currently experiencing the impacts of the ‘beast from the east’ as cold air from Russia and eastern Europe creates the conditions that produce, in many parts of the UK, transport chaos. This type of periodic weather disruption to infrastructure is a reminder of how reliant we are on … Continue reading “Snow, Snow, Glorious Snow: Funding and Financing Local Infrastructure in the UK”
Valentine’s Day and the Commodification of Love or the Economic Impacts of Courtship
Valentine was a 3rd century martyr, or was he? There are two Valentines associated with the 14 February. First, a Roman priest who was martyred supposedly under the rule of Claudius and, second, a bishop of Terni who was martyred in Rome but whose remains were then removed to Terni. The accounts of both these … Continue reading “Valentine’s Day and the Commodification of Love or the Economic Impacts of Courtship”
The end (of the project) is near
It is with both a sense of sadness and satisfaction that I write this blog. Sadness because the Urban Living Birmingham project has now formally completed – although outputs and outcomes will continue to be produced into the New Year. Satisfaction because of all we achieved in such a short time. In only 18 months … Continue reading “The end (of the project) is near”
Twelve Economic Impacts of Christmas 2017
There are many types of Christmas. For some it is a special religious moment, for others, it is a time for families and friends and for many a time for consumption. For many others, it is a critical time in their business activities – a time in which sales linked to Christmas determine profitability and … Continue reading “Twelve Economic Impacts of Christmas 2017”
Christmas Tree Economies or Fashions and Local Economic Development
Christmas trees are a relatively recent introduction to the British Christmas tradition. Their introduction to Christmas celebrations can be traced back to Southern Germany in the seventeenth century. There is even a legend that the first Christmas tree was erected by Martin Luther. The British tradition can be traced back to Queen Charlotte, the wife … Continue reading “Christmas Tree Economies or Fashions and Local Economic Development”
The Rise of the Highbrow, Eyebrow Economy: Face Theatre as Commodification and Local Economic Development
Our economy and society are a continual state of change or becoming – they never become. Change, transition and transformation are the norm and persistence is unusual and needs to be explained. There are a number of ‘timeless theories and timeless processes’; theories and processes that will continue as long as capitalism survives. These timeless … Continue reading “The Rise of the Highbrow, Eyebrow Economy: Face Theatre as Commodification and Local Economic Development”