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 Mapping the economic returns of R&D in the UK This briefing draws out the key policy implications with the goal of identifying the most promising … Continue reading “Policy News – August 2025”
Ozzy Osbourne’s £28 Million Parting Gift to the West Midlands
On the 22nd of July 2025 Birmingham lost one of its most iconic sons. Ozzy Osbourne, The Prince of Darkness and Godfather of heavy metal passed away at 76. But what he leaves behind is more than just the music, he leaves a lasting cultural and economic impact on his hometown and beyond. Ozzy was … Continue reading “Ozzy Osbourne’s £28 Million Parting Gift to the West Midlands”
Mapping the UK’s Solar PV Supply Chain: An Analysis of Public Procurement Contracts
In this blog, Annum Rafique examines the UK’s solar PV procurement landscape, highlighting how strong SME participation and regional diversity have positioned the sector to support the Government’s 45-47 GW target outlined in the 2025 Solar Roadmap. This blog is part of ongoing work with the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC), which seeks to position … Continue reading “Mapping the UK’s Solar PV Supply Chain: An Analysis of Public Procurement Contracts”
Report Spotlight: Economic & Social Impacts of PhDs
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”