Given that by 2050 approximately two thirds of the world’s total population will be living in cities, we have to make cities creative, innovative and sustainable places to do business. This emphasises the importance of ‘smart cities’, and we recommend the following: Developing the right kinds of skills and expertise is central to unlocking opportunities … Continue reading “Smart Cities”
City REDI round up
It’s been a busy month for the City-REDI team. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been up to… Local and Central Government: On the invitation of the Mayor of Birmingham, Andy Street, Professor Simon Collinson has joined the ‘West Midlands Funding for Growth Commission’. The Commission met on Monday 4th September 2017 and will work … Continue reading “City REDI round up”
New City REDI publications series
As part of a new blog series, we will be highlighting the excellent research produced by the City-REDI team since 2015, with the aim of creating an online searchable library. You can view this work by searching the blog with the relevant tag, either using the name of the author or the year of the publication. We … Continue reading “New City REDI publications series”
City REDI to host two fringe events at the Labour and Conservative party conferences
City REDI is hosting fringe events at the Labour and Conservative party conferences this autumn, called “Devo Question Time: Connectivity and Growth”. The events, being organised by Devo Connect, focus on transport and connectivity, which have become vital issues where Metro Mayors can have a real impact on the economic growth of their cities. With … Continue reading “City REDI to host two fringe events at the Labour and Conservative party conferences”
City REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to produce economic review of the region
City REDI and GBCC are working together to produce the second annual Birmingham Economic Review. It promises to build on the first review which provided a unique insight into Birmingham’s economic geography, skills, key sectors and opportunities and challenges facing the region. Professor Simon Collinson, director of City-REDI, said: “This report, and our broader partnership … Continue reading “City REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to produce economic review of the region”
What should the Mayor do on skills & housing?
Skills is a significant issue for the West Midlands but it’s structural and deep seated nature means 100 days of Mayoral activity is only the start. Solutions are long term and require fundamental changes to the regional economy, labour market and delivery structures. It’s vital the Mayor puts in place a programme of change that … Continue reading “What should the Mayor do on skills & housing?”
Shedding new light on innovation policy
The following piece was written by City-REDI’s Max Nathan, for the What Works Centre. Industrial strategy is one of the big issues for the What Works Centre and its local partners and innovation is one of the main themes of industrial strategies in the UK, and around the world. Public policy plays a number of important … Continue reading “Shedding new light on innovation policy”
Birmingham: a city of visible negatives and hidden positives
This blog was first posted on the Urban Living Birmingham Blog. Below are contributions in response to a request for the best and worst of Birmingham. They formed part of an impromptu exhibition held at the March 2017 Urban Living Birmingham Touchstone Group Meeting. From the author, David Thew, Secretary to the Futures Network West … Continue reading “Birmingham: a city of visible negatives and hidden positives”
The economic black hole at the heart of the shift to electric vehicles
Source: Charging more? nrqemi/Shutterstock This piece was written by City-REDI’s Professor John Bryson and Anastasios Kitsos The ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2040 is perhaps the most significant policy announcement made by the UK government in the past decade (with the possible exception of Brexit). It feels like a … Continue reading “The economic black hole at the heart of the shift to electric vehicles”
Birmingham 2040: The Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Engines, Electric Vehicles and Robotics
This blog was written by Professor John Bryson and first posted on the Urban Living Birmingham Blog. In 1971 Sir Peter Hall speculated about London and the year 2000. Forecasting futures will always result in failure, but perhaps there are some ‘knowns’ about what Birmingham will look like in 2040 and many unknowns. One ‘known’ is that … Continue reading “Birmingham 2040: The Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Engines, Electric Vehicles and Robotics”