Serendipity: Is the Answer to the Productivity Problem Written in the Stars?

This blog was written by Carol Stanfield from Carol Stanfield Consulting who has co-authored a report for the Productivity Insights Network with Professor Anne Green and George Bramley at City-REDI.  The full report is entitled Evaluation of co-designed programmes for boosting productivity: a follow-up of selected UK Futures Programme projects. It’s not often you get to … Continue reading “Serendipity: Is the Answer to the Productivity Problem Written in the Stars?”

Could 5G Technology Power Economic Growth in the West Midlands?

As the next generation of mobile technology, 5G has increasingly become a technology buzzword in recent years. The UK government has suggested in their 5G Strategy that “5G promises a step-change in mobile connectivity with enormous potential to boost productivity and grow the economy”. However, what exactly is 5G technology and could it really power … Continue reading “Could 5G Technology Power Economic Growth in the West Midlands?”

Inward Investment in the Birmingham City Region

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “Inward Investment in the Birmingham City Region”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: Business Environment

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: Business Environment”

City-REDI launches the West Midlands Economic Monitor

This month we are launching our new West Midlands Economic Monitor. It is full of information on upcoming developments in and around Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country, interesting data, and expert analysis from our team of researchers. We will present some of the trends drawn from national and local data on a whole range … Continue reading “City-REDI launches the West Midlands Economic Monitor”

Rethinking Modern High Streets: What Comes After Retail?

The high street is reaching crisis point. House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer have joined the list of high street giants expressing difficulties in today’s turbulent retail environment. This comes after a string of high profile closures, including HMV, BHS, Toys R Us, Mothercare and Carpet Right. Even service outlets are closing their doors, … Continue reading “Rethinking Modern High Streets: What Comes After Retail?”

Services and Experiences from Space

The on-going debate on the future of retailing and the high street has within it an emphasis on the shift from purchasing ‘experiences’ rather than goods. This transformation of economic transactions into experiences can be traced back over two decades but has been intensifying. January is often associated with a number of experiential movements – … Continue reading “Services and Experiences from Space”

City-REDI Spring Seminar Series

City-REDI is delighted to invite you to our seminar series covering economics, economic geography, regional science, economic development, critical urbanism and urban policymaking. The seminars are open to all including PhDs, Masters students and non-academics. Do join us, and feel free to forward to others who might be interested. The seminar programme can be found below … Continue reading “City-REDI Spring Seminar Series”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: People – Population and Employment

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: People – Population and Employment”

Meditations on the Demise of Advent and the Commercialisation of Christmas

Every year Christmas seems to become closer to the end of October. Retailers begin to signal the start of the season of Christmas. Illuminated Christmas trees begin to appear in shops and houses. Perhaps Christmas now commences on Black Friday. For 2018 this was November 23rd and next year it will be November 29th. One … Continue reading “Meditations on the Demise of Advent and the Commercialisation of Christmas”