The 20th February 2018 sees the World Day of Social Justice. Social justice is an underlying principle of peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. For the United Nations, the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of their global mission to promote development and human dignity. The adoption by the International … Continue reading “Workers on the move: does Brexit threaten social justice and the economy?”
Devolution: Are cities on track in the worst of times?
Regardless of the arguments for and against, the subject of devolution is here to stay. The unprecedented interest levels in the EU Referendum meant that record numbers of people voted, and at its core, this was a reflection on devolution, and who makes decisions on our behalf. So, how far has devolution come? In a … Continue reading “Devolution: Are cities on track in the worst of times?”
Reflections on democracy – How far have we come since 1918?
Over the years I have written a number of blogs on democracy and voting, and with the 100 year anniversary, I wanted to take some time to reflect on progress. As someone who grew up thinking everyone was taught at school about the suffragist and suffragette movements, it continues to astound me how we take … Continue reading “Reflections on democracy – How far have we come since 1918?”
Valentine’s Day and the Commodification of Love or the Economic Impacts of Courtship
Valentine was a 3rd century martyr, or was he? There are two Valentines associated with the 14 February. First, a Roman priest who was martyred supposedly under the rule of Claudius and, second, a bishop of Terni who was martyred in Rome but whose remains were then removed to Terni. The accounts of both these … Continue reading “Valentine’s Day and the Commodification of Love or the Economic Impacts of Courtship”
All systems go! The UK Evaluation Society – Midlands Regional Network has now finally launched!
On the 7th December 2017, a launch event was held for the UK Evaluation Society – Midlands Regional Network. The event, held at the University of Birmingham, provided an opportunity for the steering group to put faces to names and explore what type of network members would like. Around twenty members of the network were able … Continue reading “All systems go! The UK Evaluation Society – Midlands Regional Network has now finally launched!”
Is Bitcoin a Giffen Good or a Speculative Bubble?
We have recently seen a discussion as to whether Bitcoin is a speculative bubble. Bitcoin and its imitations are encrypted currencies, composed of a series of software protocols for the generation of digital codes and for the tracking of transactions. As Bitcoin appreciated more than 11 times this year and exceeded $ 11,000 per unit, … Continue reading “Is Bitcoin a Giffen Good or a Speculative Bubble?”
Two fully-funded PhD studentships available in the field of regional and labour economics
City-REDI is embarking on the development of a set of analytical tools to assist stakeholders in the West Midlands region to address significant policy challenges over the next several decades. We have two fully-funded PhD studentships (3 years full-time equivalent) to support City-REDI quantitative research team led by Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés under the topics of regional … Continue reading “Two fully-funded PhD studentships available in the field of regional and labour economics”
Max Nathan features in a film about about tech, migrants and innovation in London
City-REDI’s Dr. Max Nathan features in a documentary by Wired magazine and the Museum of London called, “How migrant entrepreneurs help power growth in the London economy“. The documentary looks at what it is about London that makes it Europe’s largest and most vibrant tech hub. As well as Dr. Max Nathan, the documentary also provides insight … Continue reading “Max Nathan features in a film about about tech, migrants and innovation in London”
Birmingham Economic Review 2017: Conclusion
The Birmingham Economic Review was produced in October 2017 by City-REDI, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the West Midlands Growth Company. The review highlights the current strengths and weakness of the Birmingham economy, as well as looking at the opportunities and threats that might impact upon it in the future. This is Chapter 12 of The Review, the … Continue reading “Birmingham Economic Review 2017: Conclusion”
Fiscal devolution: An era of opportunity
City-REDI has prepared this brief to inform the debate on fiscal devolution. The UK has traditionally been a fiscally centralised system with most of the local authority income coming from government transfers. The acknowledgment of the importance of place and local leadership in policies such as the industrial strategy, devo deals and the budget, together … Continue reading “Fiscal devolution: An era of opportunity”