Policy News – August 2025

This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events.   Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Mapping the economic returns of R&D in the UK This briefing draws out the key policy implications with the goal of identifying the most promising … Continue reading “Policy News – August 2025”

Expression of Interest: City-REDI Associates

CURRENTLY CLOSED. We are inviting expressions of interest from researchers, policy professionals, and practitioners who are passionate about regional economic development to join us as City-REDI Associates.  About City-REDI  City-REDI is a leading research institute based at the University of Birmingham, dedicated to understanding and improving city and regional economies. Our work is grounded in … Continue reading “Expression of Interest: City-REDI Associates”

Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Professor Anne Green’s work with Andy Pike and Shona Duncan on the advantages and disadvantages of concentrating versus spreading public funding across different geographical areas. The project brings together a highly … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding”

Policy News – July 2025

This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events.   Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Checking out: The varying performance of high streets across the country This report identifies four key reasons why high street vacancy rates vary so much … Continue reading “Policy News – July 2025”

City-REDI Round-up – June 2025

This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in June 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. No UK party currently has what it takes to end poverty, research finds: ‘We need a radical rethink’ Research Fellow Dr Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia has been mentioned in The Big Issue, … Continue reading “City-REDI Round-up – June 2025”

Policy News – June 2025

This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events.   Reports from Academics and Think Tanks   Title Details Published Build to Rent: Patterns in growth and geography This briefing from the Centre for Cities examines the growing role of Build to Rent (BtR) … Continue reading “Policy News – June 2025”

Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we examine the work of Dr Matthew Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma with BOP Consulting, assessing the likely future economic contribution of the BBC to the West Midlands due to renewed investment in the … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force”

City-REDI Roundup – May 2025

This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in May 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. Revealed: How much the US-UK trade deal will save the UK economy from Trump tariffs Research Fellows Dr Matthew Lyons and Huanjia Ma have been quoted in The Independent for their … Continue reading “City-REDI Roundup – May 2025”

Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In this latest blog, a recent study by Annum Rafique (University of Birmingham) and Pei-Yu Yuan (University of Manchester) delves into how text mining can be harnessed to analyse procurement contracts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights”

Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Dr Hunajia Ma, Dr Matthew Lyons, Dr Konstantinos Kollydas and Professor Anne Green’s work on the shortage of digital skills in the UK. In an era of rapid technological transformation, digital … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions”