In this blog, Dr. Vida Vanchan, Associate Professor – Geography and Planning, State University of New York, talks about some of the questions raised at a co-organised session with Prof. John Bryson at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers. On 8 April 2017, I co-organised two sessions with Prof. John Bryson, City-REDI, … Continue reading “Urban Livability and Integrated Challenges”
Author: Guest blogger
From Boston with Ducklings! Interdependent Challenges and Urban Living and the Management of Complex Cities
In this blog, Professor John Bryson, City-REDI, discusses his recent visit to Boston, for the Association of American Geographers: On Saturday 8 April 2017, the Urban Living Birmingham project organised two sessions at the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers, Boston. The sessions explored the integrated and interdependent challenges that are facing cities this … Continue reading “From Boston with Ducklings! Interdependent Challenges and Urban Living and the Management of Complex Cities”
What characteristics should we look for in the new Metro Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority?
In this blog, Professor John R. Bryson, City-REDI, outlines the eight key qualities a good or successful Metro Mayor for the West Midlands might need. On 4 May 2017, the people living in the geographic area defined by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have the opportunity, for the first time, to elect a mayor. … Continue reading “What characteristics should we look for in the new Metro Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority?”
From Rabbits to Ubers: What the ‘new’ gig economy means for employment, education and politics?
Here, City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson discusses what the ‘new’ gig economy means for employment, education and politics. A new term – the ‘gig economy’ – has emerged in the US that is part of an old process that is central to the operation of capitalist economies. The gig economy reflects the on-going adaptation of work and … Continue reading “From Rabbits to Ubers: What the ‘new’ gig economy means for employment, education and politics?”
Submission of Evidence to BIS Select Committee: Powerhouses and engines: Government policy and regional growth
In March this year, the Business, Innovation and Skills House of Commons Select Committee launched an Inquiry looking into the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine “Powerhouses and engines: Government policy and regional growth”. The two main powerhouses at the centre of this Inquiry are Government manifesto commitments as set out at the 2015 General Election. … Continue reading “Submission of Evidence to BIS Select Committee: Powerhouses and engines: Government policy and regional growth”
Manufacturing in Greater Birmingham – is it pulling its weight?
Our first guest blog from Patrick Willcocks, policy commentator focused on cities and their economic and environmental policy issues (UrbanPivot); a teaching fellow at the UoB Business school focusing on Europe and regional development and a private consultant working on EU funding and policy. A couple of things triggered this blog post – my inaugural … Continue reading “Manufacturing in Greater Birmingham – is it pulling its weight?”
Are you listening Sir Bob – Birmingham wins the RCUK Urban Living Partnership Call – a new big boost towards Birmingham as the collaborative future city
Richard Kenny is Head of Strategic Development at Birmingham City Council and has joined the City REDI team on secondment at the Business School, University of Birmingham. Here he narrates some of the journey so far in responding to this Call and tries to put his finger on Birmingham’s initial success in engaging with RCUK … Continue reading “Are you listening Sir Bob – Birmingham wins the RCUK Urban Living Partnership Call – a new big boost towards Birmingham as the collaborative future city”
The Next Steps for the Combined Authority and the Midlands Engine
On 1 June 2016 the West Midlands Combined Authority comes into effect. With that in mind,Insider hosted an event at Birmingham Business School to explore the next steps for the Combined Authority and the Midlands Engine. The first panel featured Katie Trout, Chief Executive of the GBSLEP; Anne Lucas, Coventry City Council; Henrietta Brealey, Director of … Continue reading “The Next Steps for the Combined Authority and the Midlands Engine”
New City REDI member Richard Kenny on devolution and the economy
Devolution can only work when the economy fully works– so making it work and provide for all is going to remain the central question facing cities and regions – time to get City REDI, argues Richard Kenny. Richard Kenny is Head of Strategic Development at Birmingham City Council and has just joined the City REDI … Continue reading “New City REDI member Richard Kenny on devolution and the economy”
Taxing Regional Economic Growth: Business Rates, Retail and Local Multipliers
By Prof. John Bryson, City-Region Economic Development Institute, University of Birmingham The UK developed a centralised economy during the 1940s in response to a major crisis. The fall-out from World War II led to a period of shortage and restrictions on raw materials that were finally removed in 1954. The centralization of the British state that intensified … Continue reading “Taxing Regional Economic Growth: Business Rates, Retail and Local Multipliers”