Enhancing the Civic Role of UK Universities

Two key events in February brought into focus the contribution made by universities to their city-regions. They also highlighted how much more universities could do and how important it was to enhance this contribution in light of current political and public sentiment towards universities in the UK. One was the launch of the report by … Continue reading “Enhancing the Civic Role of UK Universities”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 – Ideas

The Birmingham Economic Review was produced in October 2018 by City-REDI, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the West Midlands Growth Company. The review highlights the current strengths and weakness of the Birmingham economy, as well as looking at the opportunities and threats that might impact upon it in the future. Over the next few weeks, we will be producing … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 – Ideas”

Metro-Mayors: Can they address UK Regional Inequality?

Professor Simon Collinson discusses the need to devolve power in the UK to address the economic imbalance between London and the South East and the rest of the UK. Metro Mayors can potentially be a powerful instrument to promote regional growth which is critical to the long-term social and political stability of the country.   In … Continue reading “Metro-Mayors: Can they address UK Regional Inequality?”

Are business schools fit for the future?

The growth of business education over the past 60 years has been phenomenal, with more than 16,000 business schools operating worldwide, according to an AACSB estimate. Yet a growing range of challenges will mean that in 25 years’ time, many of our business schools will not exist, and none will exist in their current form. … Continue reading “Are business schools fit for the future?”

An Industrial Strategy Fit for Regional Growth

The UK is facing a number of critical challenges at the present time with Brexit at the top of most agendas. But most fundamental of these challenges are the result of significant regional differences in productivity, economic growth and social well-being across the country. These uneven patterns of inequality and socio-economic opportunity were a key … Continue reading “An Industrial Strategy Fit for Regional Growth”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2017 – Innovation

The Birmingham Economic Review was produced in October 2017 by City-REDI, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the West Midlands Growth Company. The review highlights the current strengths and weakness of the Birmingham economy, as well as looking at the opportunities and threats that might impact upon it in the future. This is a commentary on Chapter 9 of … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2017 – Innovation”

Andy Street’s To-Do List: Challenges for the New WMCA Mayor

In this blog, Professor Simon Collinson, City-REDI, discusses the challenges facing the new WMCA Mayor. By a narrow margin on the second ballot, the people of the West Midlands voted for Andy Street to be the first Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) region. He is one of a new group of ‘metro … Continue reading “Andy Street’s To-Do List: Challenges for the New WMCA Mayor”

Highlights from the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ Annual Conference 2016

Following the launch of their annual report at the House of Lords in September 2016, Deans and directors from UK business schools were brought back together this week to host the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ largest ever Annual Conference. Here, City-REDI’s Prof. Simon Collinson – Director of City-REDI and Chair of the Chartered Association … Continue reading “Highlights from the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ Annual Conference 2016”