Confessions of an Early Career Evaluator of the Year (Aged 27 and Three Quarters)

Johannes Read discusses his career so far and how it has changed in ways he didn’t think were possible, allowing him to create impact and change to become an Evaluator. This article was originally published in the Evaluator. Find out more about our Evaluation Lab. I came into this profession two years ago not knowing … Continue reading “Confessions of an Early Career Evaluator of the Year (Aged 27 and Three Quarters)”

The Devil and the Detail: The Two Things Hiding Behind the UK Levelling Up Fund

Whilst the Levelling Up Fund provides much-needed support for local regions, Hannes Read discusses two issues with the programme. The patchwork delivery of funding and a lack of focus on how the funds are spent. The continued patchwork approach to regional economic development is the devil behind the Levelling Up Fund. Despite the roots of … Continue reading “The Devil and the Detail: The Two Things Hiding Behind the UK Levelling Up Fund”

The Importance of In-Person Events in the age of Hybrid Working: City-REDI Research Symposium

On 17th January, City-REDI held the City-REDI Research Symposium. Johannes Read summaries each presentation and discusses the positive outcomes of the event. In the age of hybrid working, in-person events have taken on a new meaning. These events curate the chance to connect, share, and collaborate. At City-REDI, the City-REDI Research Symposium (CRRESY) is the … Continue reading “The Importance of In-Person Events in the age of Hybrid Working: City-REDI Research Symposium”

Maximising Universities’ Role in the Local Economy: Evaluating the Impact of Student Knowledge Exchange

Johannes Read and Birindar Kaur Bahia evaluate the impact of the Student Knowledge Exchange Re-Imagined – Removing Barriers, Engaging Communities project, led by Keele University and the University of Birmingham. Universities’ Role in Exchanging Knowledge in the Economy Universities make a significant impact on the local and regional economy. Not only do university staff teach … Continue reading “Maximising Universities’ Role in the Local Economy: Evaluating the Impact of Student Knowledge Exchange”

Evaluating the Local Economic Impacts of Student Knowledge Exchange

Johannes Read discusses the Impact Tool, developed to analyse the impact of student-led knowledge exchange on the local economy. The Student Knowledge Exchange Re-Imagined- Removing Barriers, Engaging Communities project is funded by the Office for Students and Research England, to improve the engagement of under-represented groups and the not-for-profit sector to remove barriers and engage … Continue reading “Evaluating the Local Economic Impacts of Student Knowledge Exchange”

Megatrends in the West Midlands: The ‘New Normal’ Must Embrace ‘Building Back Better’

Johannes Read delves into how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way people and businesses work in the city centre as the UK emerges from the crisis. This article is part of a larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that are having a transformative … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands: The ‘New Normal’ Must Embrace ‘Building Back Better’”

Addressing the Climate Emergency in Birmingham: Using the Civic Index to Build University-Civic Collaborations

Hannes Read discusses how Universities and regional authorities can use the Civic Index to improve collaboration between these partners and help drive regional economic development. The Civic Index: A Tool Linking Economy, Environment, Institutions, and Place Collaboration between higher education and local/regional authorities is proven to be an important part of local and regional economic … Continue reading “Addressing the Climate Emergency in Birmingham: Using the Civic Index to Build University-Civic Collaborations”

Virtual Internship Program: A New Role in The Education System

Hannes Read discusses virtual internships programs and how they can play a new role in the education system. Find out more about the What Works: Conducting Impactful Virtual Internships as a Civic University project.  The Role of Virtual Internships in Education Internships have a significant role to play in education. Students gain from their experiences, … Continue reading “Virtual Internship Program: A New Role in The Education System”

Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?

On 29th March 2017, article 50 was triggered and the UK began the process of leaving the EU. To mark the day, Hannes Read looks at the impact Brexit has had on the West Midlands.  The 29th March 2022 marks five years to the day since Article 50 was formally triggered; beginning the process for … Continue reading “Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?”

University of Birmingham Masters or PhD Student Wanted for Internship at WMREDI

University of Birmingham Masters or PhD student wanted for Policy and Data Analyst internship at WMREDI. The internship starts this February.  The West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) has been established following City-REDI’s significant grant award from Research England (UKRI). The team is an innovative hybrid approach of academic, policy research and support staff delivering … Continue reading “University of Birmingham Masters or PhD Student Wanted for Internship at WMREDI”