In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we examine a report written by Hannes Read, Alice Pugh, Rebecca Riley, and George Bramley, which can support a civic university in maximising the impact of its operations to make a difference in places … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Economic & Social Impacts of PhDs”
Expression of Interest: City-REDI Associates
CURRENTLY CLOSED. We are inviting expressions of interest from researchers, policy professionals, and practitioners who are passionate about regional economic development to join us as City-REDI Associates. About City-REDI City-REDI is a leading research institute based at the University of Birmingham, dedicated to understanding and improving city and regional economies. Our work is grounded in … Continue reading “Expression of Interest: City-REDI Associates”
Facing up to the Foundational Economy
Economic growth is the primary mission of the current UK government, with more people in good jobs, higher living standards and productivity growth. Yet traditional economic development approaches have been questioned in academic and policy debates about how inclusive and sustainable economic performance can be achieved across the UK. A recent paper in Urban Studies … Continue reading “Facing up to the Foundational Economy”
The National Movement Around Measuring Civic Impact
Katrina Kelly from the University of Bath has been working with the National Civic Impact Accelerator, National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and City-REDI about measuring and demonstrating civic activity. In this blog, Katrina shares her thoughts on the national movement around measuring civic impact and calls for civic professionals across higher education to share good practice, … Continue reading “The National Movement Around Measuring Civic Impact”
Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Professor Anne Green’s work with Andy Pike and Shona Duncan on the advantages and disadvantages of concentrating versus spreading public funding across different geographical areas. The project brings together a highly … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Geographically Concentrating or Spreading Public Funding”
Policy News – July 2025
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Checking out: The varying performance of high streets across the country This report identifies four key reasons why high street vacancy rates vary so much … Continue reading “Policy News – July 2025”
Rebalancing the map: How Improved Public Funding Allocation in England Could Help Tackle Geographical Inequalities
England’s economic and social landscape is deeply uneven. From productivity and income to health and education, stark geographical inequalities persist – and in many cases, are worsening. Despite years of policy attention, the UK’s highly centralised governance and fragmented funding systems have failed to deliver meaningful change. But what if public funding was allocated in … Continue reading “Rebalancing the map: How Improved Public Funding Allocation in England Could Help Tackle Geographical Inequalities”
Geographic Inequalities in an Era of Unequal Devolution
The UK has historically failed to learn important lessons from European countries on spatial rebalancing. It has recently acknowledged the need for effective local institutions and a long-term national strategy, but its asymmetric approach is unlikely to reduce geographic inequality. The failure of levelling up When the previous UK government launched its levelling up agenda … Continue reading “Geographic Inequalities in an Era of Unequal Devolution”
From Challenge to Change: How Social Impact is revitalising Ladywood’s economic viability
Ladywood, one of Birmingham’s most socioeconomically challenged wards, is undergoing a quiet transformation. This blog by Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore Business District (BID), explores the current economic state of Birmingham with a spotlight on Ladywood, highlighting how targeted social impact initiatives, especially those focused on youth, are creating new pathways to opportunity and prosperity. … Continue reading “From Challenge to Change: How Social Impact is revitalising Ladywood’s economic viability”
City-REDI Round-up – June 2025
This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in June 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. No UK party currently has what it takes to end poverty, research finds: ‘We need a radical rethink’ Research Fellow Dr Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia has been mentioned in The Big Issue, … Continue reading “City-REDI Round-up – June 2025”