In this blog, Jonathan Clarke from the University of Warwick reflects on Urban Living Birmingham’s latest touchstone group meeting. On the 20th March 2017, Urban Living Birmingham (ULB) held its third Touchtone Group meeting, offering a forum for project researchers to present and receive feedback on some early findings to representatives from the public, private and … Continue reading “Latest insights from the Urban Living Birmingham project”
Author: Guest blogger
Brexit and the Lessons from Singapore – Geography Matters, Free Trade Agreements, Integrated Policy and Independence
The following piece was written by City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson. This week is one spent in Singapore and this provides an opportunity and a stimulus to reflect on the relationship between Brexit, the UK and the example set by Singapore. Singapore comes with associations of free trade, global finance, a major Asian centre, integrated approaches … Continue reading “Brexit and the Lessons from Singapore – Geography Matters, Free Trade Agreements, Integrated Policy and Independence”
The Metro Mayor’s Election – 4 May 2017: A Comment on the Task Ahead for the New Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority
In this blog, City-REDI’sProf. John Bryson provides his reflections on the day of the first ever West Midland’s Mayoral Election. The 4 May, today, is an important day for the West Midlands and especially for those living in this region that will live or work under the governance structure of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). … Continue reading “The Metro Mayor’s Election – 4 May 2017: A Comment on the Task Ahead for the New Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority”
Urban Livability and Integrated Challenges
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”
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”