What is a “Just City”? A research trip to Zürich

In 2014, the number of people across the globe living in urban areas surpassed those living in the countryside for the first time. Cities are where more highly-skilled and better-paid jobs tend to be clustered. They have a wider range of cultural attractions, restaurants, educational and shopping opportunities than rural places. These features encourage in-migration … Continue reading “What is a “Just City”? A research trip to Zürich”

Singapore ‘smoking ban’ sounds radical, but it’s an odd way to reduce air pollution

On January 1 2019, Singapore will introduce a “no smoking zone” along a three kilometre stretch of Orchard Road – one of the city’s busiest shopping districts. It sounds controversial – restricting people’s right to smoke in public spaces, as a way of tackling air pollution and improving public health. But smoking is not actually … Continue reading “Singapore ‘smoking ban’ sounds radical, but it’s an odd way to reduce air pollution”

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”

City-REDI at ERSA Lyon

City-REDI researchers have been involved in organising a range of special sessions at the European Regional Science Association Congress taking place in Lyon 27-30 August 2019. In particular, the topics are indicative of the expertise and research interests of the institute and cover: S03. Engaging with the Digital World: the effects for society, places and individuals … Continue reading “City-REDI at ERSA Lyon”

The 2018-2019 West Midlands Databook: Things Are Looking up for West Midlands, but How Does It Compare to Other City-Regions?

City-REDI have compiled a snapshot of key data for the West Midlands. Drawing on the success of the 2017 databook, the 2018-2019 edition provides up-to-date labour market profiles for the West Midlands Region, West Midlands Combined Authority, three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and over 30 Local Authorities. Together, the booklet provides easy to access data … Continue reading “The 2018-2019 West Midlands Databook: Things Are Looking up for West Midlands, but How Does It Compare to Other City-Regions?”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: People – Inclusive Growth and Skills

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 – Inclusive Growth and Skills”

The Implications of Brexit for the UK’s Regions

Our research for the UK in a Changing Europe (“The economic impacts of Brexit on the UK, its regions, its cities and its sectors”) has demonstrated that the implications of Brexit are profoundly different for the different cities, regions, and nations of the UK. Yet, the proposed UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement brokered by Prime Minister Theresa … Continue reading “The Implications of Brexit for the UK’s Regions”

The Exposure of the West Midlands Region to Brexit

There are many unknowns relating to Brexit, regarding (i) the nature of the final trade deal and (ii) the potential responses of firms and consumers to any major shock like Brexit. Nevertheless, “a partial but still very wide-ranging and impact assessment can be undertaken even without such specific knowledge of the final trade deal and … Continue reading “The Exposure of the West Midlands Region to Brexit”

Artificial intelligence and robotics: Greater Birmingham’s friend or foe?

This blog post has been produced for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an … Continue reading “Artificial intelligence and robotics: Greater Birmingham’s friend or foe?”