Alice Pugh discusses Shrinkflation and Skimpflation and how these have had an adverse effect on the consumers. This blog was originally published in the Birmingham Business School Blog. What is Shrinkflation? Shrinkflation is when the size of a product decreases, but the price remains constant. It is a discrete way of increasing the price of … Continue reading “Shrinkflation and Skimpflation – A Permanent Loss in What Your Money can buy”
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”
Accelerating Place – Based Growth through Innovation: Perspectives from the Conservative Party Conference
On 2nd October, City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham and Policy @ Manchester co-hosted a fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference on how to accelerate placed-based growth and innovation. Steve Barwick and Fumi Kitagawa reflect on the lessons learnt at the event held in Manchester. The event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief … Continue reading “Accelerating Place – Based Growth through Innovation: Perspectives from the Conservative Party Conference”
The 15-Minute City: Good Urban Planning or an Attack on Personal Freedoms?
At the recent Conservative Party Conference, the 15-minute city was highlighted as an attack on personal freedom. In this blog, Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla looks at what a 15-minute city is, gives examples of where it’s been implemented and whether it might restrict people’s freedom. The Department for Transport (DfT) recently released the Plan for Drivers document, … Continue reading “The 15-Minute City: Good Urban Planning or an Attack on Personal Freedoms?”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12 October 2023
In a week marked by escalating unrest in the Middle East, global leaders face critical decisions, raising concerns about the world economy. Amid rising international tensions, the global economy has shown unexpected resilience in early 2023, but growth prospects remain low. Although headline inflation is decreasing, core inflation persists due to the services sector and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12 October 2023”
The LPIP Hub: What are the Challenges Faced by Cities and Places? What do we Want and Need Them to be?
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 next blog in the series, Rebecca summarises some of the key challenges faced by cities and places. What do we … Continue reading “The LPIP Hub: What are the Challenges Faced by Cities and Places? What do we Want and Need Them to be?”
London Wins Again – The Debacle of the UK’s High-speed Rail ‘strategy’
Donald Houston and Rebecca Riley discuss the scrapping of HS2 and the significant economic impact on the North of the UK. This blog was originally written for the Birmingham Business School Blog. A branding failure HS2 has always suffered from a branding failure. HS2 sounds rather anodyne and the ‘2’ reminds those north of London … Continue reading “London Wins Again – The Debacle of the UK’s High-speed Rail ‘strategy’ ”
Innovation Policy: The Role of Universities, Priority Sectors and Micro-enterprises
Juliane Schwarz discusses the potential impacts of prioritising certain sectors over others and how universities can play a role in active industrial policy. Juliane also looks at the role of small and micro businesses in our economy and how they can be better supported. In her letter to the Financial Times, the Vice-Provost of Research … Continue reading “Innovation Policy: The Role of Universities, Priority Sectors and Micro-enterprises”
EUniWell Policy Commission: Young People and the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Paul Vallance discusses his work with EUniWell and the policy commission he was involved in looking at the education, employment, and mental health of young people across Europe. Since 2020, the University of Birmingham has been a member of EUniWell, an EU-funded alliance of 11 universities across Europe that work together to support the well-being … Continue reading “EUniWell Policy Commission: Young People and the Legacy of the COVID-19 Pandemic”
REDI-Updates: The Impact of the Cost-Of-Living on Households
The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: The Impact of the Cost-Of-Living on Households”