It is that time of year when geographers from across the world descend on to some American city to discuss all things geographical. Last year, the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) was in New Orleans. This year the conference is based in Washington DC. The conference location always tends to favour … Continue reading “From Washington DC: Geographies of Human Rights, Responsible Inclusive Prosperity and the Annual Conference of the Association of American Geographers”
Category: Economics
The Economic Impacts of Physical Inactivity and the West Midlands’ Strategy to Increase Walking and Cycling
The World Health Organization recommends that all adults aged between 18 and 64 years old should do at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week to achieve a healthy body mass and weight. Any individual that reaches the level of physical activity recommended according to their age is considered … Continue reading “The Economic Impacts of Physical Inactivity and the West Midlands’ Strategy to Increase Walking and Cycling”
Enhancing the Civic Role of UK Universities
Two key events in February brought into focus the contribution made by universities to their city-regions. They also highlighted how much more universities could do and how important it was to enhance this contribution in light of current political and public sentiment towards universities in the UK. One was the launch of the report by … Continue reading “Enhancing the Civic Role of UK Universities”
Is High Speed Two going to change Britain? High-speed rail in an international perspective
While recent media headlines might be devoted exclusively to Brexit, there are a raft of other major government projects – from Universal Credit to the MoD’s new aircraft carriers – that also attract a lot of column space. One of these is undoubtedly High Speed Two. The government says this is a once-in-a-generation chance to … Continue reading “Is High Speed Two going to change Britain? High-speed rail in an international perspective”
The March edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available
This month’s edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available for download. We look at the changes in regional productivity, employment, business activity and house prices in the region, as well as projects that have been announced in rail, 5G internet, electric cars and adult education in the West Midlands. You can get … Continue reading “The March edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available”
Meet Massimiliano Nuccio, Research Fellow at City-REDI
I enthusiastically accepted to join City REDI at the University of Birmingham because I believe it is a unique academic research centre in its scope and approach. Since starting at City-REDI have found a stimulating working environment, passionate people and very skilled colleagues. Although my background is in economics and business, my career has not … Continue reading “Meet Massimiliano Nuccio, Research Fellow at City-REDI”
What do England’s towns need from devolution post-Brexit?
With just a couple of weeks to go until the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, the country still faces significant uncertainties about the shape Brexit will take and the impact it will have on businesses and livelihoods. Yet perhaps more concerning is what Brexit has so starkly revealed about the state of regional … Continue reading “What do England’s towns need from devolution post-Brexit?”
A Bollywood Solution to Air Pollution: Linking Research and Policy to the Cinema Screen
On the 6-7 March 2019, Professor John Bryson participated in a workshop in New Dehli exploring the challenges of urban air pollution. The workshop was co-organised by the University of Birmingham with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Professor Bryson is part of the team working on the ASAP East Africa Project – which aims to provide … Continue reading “A Bollywood Solution to Air Pollution: Linking Research and Policy to the Cinema Screen”
Trade Policy, Tariffs and Job Creation and Destruction in the West Midlands: Lessons from Coventry and the 1860 Cobden–Chevalier Treaty
On the 13th of March, the UK government published a 1,477-page document outlining the new approach to tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. There is much to think about here. Under the proposed temporary scheme 87% of imports to the UK by value would be eligible for zero-tariff access. It is important to … Continue reading “Trade Policy, Tariffs and Job Creation and Destruction in the West Midlands: Lessons from Coventry and the 1860 Cobden–Chevalier Treaty”
The Knowns, The Unknowns, Deal or No-deal Brexit and the March 2019 Spring Statement
It is that time of year again when over 250,000 people head to Cheltenham. It is also time for another budgetary statement from the Chancellor, Philip Hammond. The political timing of the Spring Statement means that it falls within a period of great political uncertainty. Thus, the real risk is that the Spring Statement 2019 … Continue reading “The Knowns, The Unknowns, Deal or No-deal Brexit and the March 2019 Spring Statement”