Rebecca Riley, Peter O’Brien and Helen Turner reflect on the Innovation for Growth summit – UKRI. Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) opened the summit with an analogy that, in 1996, Team GB finished 36th in the Olympic medal table a sobering result for a nation with sporting history, tradition … Continue reading “From Bronze to Gold: How a Place-Based Approach Can Drive UK Industrial Strategy Excellence”
Author: Rebecca Riley
Celebrating 10 Years of City-REDI: A Call to Share, Reflect, and Inspire
October 2025 marks a significant milestone for City-REDI – our 10th anniversary! Professor Rebecca Riley and Professor Anne Green, Co-Directors of City-REDI reflect on the past decade and call for your memories. Over the past decade we have grown from a bold idea into a thriving research institute, dedicated to understanding and shaping inclusive, sustainable … Continue reading “Celebrating 10 Years of City-REDI: A Call to Share, Reflect, and Inspire”
From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book
Professor Rebecca Riley looks at the UK Treasury’s Green Book guidance, arguing that while it’s a valuable decision-making tool, it’s often misused or misunderstood, leading to poor public investment outcomes and calling for better training and cultural change. It’s been an interesting few weeks in Green Book land following the report on the Treasury’s review. … Continue reading “From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book”
Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?
I recently spoke at the Lunar Society, attempting to discuss this topic, an “expert view”. In looking at addressing these questions I thought about a more provocation approach, but first breaking down the topics in the question: Has Birmingham experienced an economic Miracle? Do people benefit? How can they benefit? Watching the recent news, it … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?”
The Future of Devolution Under a New Government – A Manifesto Guide
Rebecca Riley looks at the Conservative Party and Labour Party proposals for devolution. Each party’s stance on place and devolution reflects their broader political philosophies, with Labour and the Conservatives focusing on managed devolution within a united framework, while the Liberal Democrats, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru push for more substantial devolved autonomy and constitutional reform. … Continue reading “The Future of Devolution Under a New Government – A Manifesto Guide”
Apathy, Allegiance, and Anger, the Mayoral Elections Against a Backdrop of Voter Turmoil
In our latest blog, Rebecca Riley observes that despite efforts to engage voters, turnout remains low due to factors like voter apathy and a lack of understanding about mayoral roles. For the political wonks, in England, the bank holiday weekend was a nail-biting and fascinating affair, especially when it comes to devolution. Combined Authority Mayors … Continue reading “Apathy, Allegiance, and Anger, the Mayoral Elections Against a Backdrop of Voter Turmoil”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 March 2024
The final monitor before the Easter break brings us the news that input prices continue to slowly fall, which should contribute to decelerating inflation, yet the global economy is still showing slow growth. Most indicators show a moderate improvement, but all indications are that recovery will continue to be very slow. The Office for Budget … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 March 2024”
The LPIP Hub: Can Productivity Bring Around the Change We Need in Places?
Rebecca Riley recently attended an RSA Urban Futures Roundtable looking at the potential of the UK’s cities. In a series of blogs, Rebecca reflects on the challenges facing places in building regenerative economies. This blog is for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub which launched early this year. The Hub seeks to address nationwide issues … Continue reading “The LPIP Hub: Can Productivity Bring Around the Change We Need in Places?”
The LPIP Hub: How do we Reach our Vision for Cities and Places?
Rebecca Riley recently attended an RSA Urban Futures Roundtable looking at the potential of the UK’s cities. In a series of blogs, Rebecca reflects on the challenges facing places in building regenerative economies. In the third blog in the series, Rebecca looks at the key steps we can take to reach our vision for cities … Continue reading “The LPIP Hub: How do we Reach our Vision for Cities and Places?”
How will Labour Deliver Innovation led Growth? Lesson Learnt from the Innovation Accelerator Pilots
On 9th October, City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham hosted a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on how to accelerate placed-based growth and innovation. Rebecca Riley and Steve Barwick reflect on the key points discussed at the fringe event. The event was chaired by Matt Western MP, Shadow Minister for Higher Education and … Continue reading “How will Labour Deliver Innovation led Growth? Lesson Learnt from the Innovation Accelerator Pilots”