Place-based research partnerships are complex ecosystems. They bring together universities, local authorities, community organisations, and businesses to tackle real-world challenges. But complexity needs structure, and that’s where professional standards come in. Yet standards alone don’t deliver impact. They need people who can translate principles into practice, navigate governance, and build trust across sectors. Enter the … Continue reading “Why PRISMs Are Essential for Embedding Professional Standards in Place-Based Research Partnerships”
Meet Glenn Athey, Economic Development Consultant and LPIP Hub Place Fellow
I’m Dr Glenn Athey, an economic development consultant and policy advisor with over 31 years’ experience working at the intersection of research, policy and practice. I specialise in local, urban and regional economic development, working with local and national government, combined authorities, universities, and major investors to design better policies and programmes. My work spans … Continue reading “Meet Glenn Athey, Economic Development Consultant and LPIP Hub Place Fellow”
What the UK Can Learn from Japan: Local Governance, Finance, and Place Leadership
In this episode of Placecast, Nicola Headlam speaks with Abigail Taylor (City-REDI) and Jeff Matsu (former Chief Economist at CIPFA and City-REDI Associate) about their groundbreaking comparative research on governance and fiscal devolution between Japan and the UK. Their work, supported by international partnerships and field visits to Osaka and Tokyo, offers fresh insights into … Continue reading “What the UK Can Learn from Japan: Local Governance, Finance, and Place Leadership”
Five Lessons About Anchor Networks
In this blog, originally posted on the CLES website, a Delivery Partner of the LPIP Hub, Conrad Parke discusses lessons learnt at a recent London Anchor Institution Network event. The concept of anchor institutions – organisations rooted in a place that can play a defining role in creating and reinforcing local economic ties – has … Continue reading “Five Lessons About Anchor Networks”
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Pathways to Inclusive Growth in the North East and Beyond
Professor Graham Thrower examines alternative approaches to addressing skills and economic inactivity and highlights the importance of creating pathways to employment for those from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds. The North East of England has long been known for its people – their resilience, creativity and sense of community. Yet despite these strengths, too many residents … Continue reading “Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Pathways to Inclusive Growth in the North East and Beyond”
When the Stars Align: Partnership, Policy and the Legacy of LPIP and LPIF
David Legg, Regional Manager at Innovate UK, reflects that “the stars are aligning” for place-based partnership working. There’s a sense, right now, that the stars really have aligned for the Local Policy Innovation Partnerships (LPIP) and the Local Policy Innovation Fund (LPIF). After years of groundwork, conversations, and small but significant shifts in practice, the … Continue reading “When the Stars Align: Partnership, Policy and the Legacy of LPIP and LPIF”
Community-led Action Research: Announcing Recipients of the Second Stage of Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales Funding, Autumn 2025
Following the second call for applications from community organisations during summer 2025, Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales, in collaboration with its strategic partner, Together for Change, was pleased to confirm the six successful organisations this autumn, following an exciting and enthusiastic number of applications. The successful applications were selected from diverse communities across Rural Wales … Continue reading “Community-led Action Research: Announcing Recipients of the Second Stage of Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales Funding, Autumn 2025”
Town and Parish Councils and Devolution: Small Scale, Big Potential
Dr Amy Burnett (LPIP Place Fellow), Dr Jason Leman (Citizen Network) and Dr Daniel Ozarow (Middlesex University) examine how town and parish councils could play a central role in making devolution work for communities. This discussion paper was developed following the National Association of Local Councils’ Power Shift Conference and responds to the English Devolution … Continue reading “Town and Parish Councils and Devolution: Small Scale, Big Potential”
Rebalancing Health Innovation for Health Equity: Put Communities at the Centre
Alongside high-tech advances, we need long-term, values-led innovation in community-powered health approaches to tackle health inequalities and ease pressure on services, writes Mark Swift, LPIP Hub Place Fellow with colleagues Tanuka Palit, Henk Parmentier, Liam Spence and James Smith. A Broader View of Innovation Health innovation in the UK is flourishing. Advances in AI, digital … Continue reading “Rebalancing Health Innovation for Health Equity: Put Communities at the Centre”
Culture at the Crux of Place-Based Thinking: Positioning Locally Driven Cultural Development Within a New National Policy Framework
Val Birchall reflects on becoming a LPIP Fellow and the work she has planned for her fellowship. About Me As a Place Fellow at the LPIP, I am excited to be joining a team of practitioners at the intersection of policy and place. I bring over two decades of experience shaping and delivering local cultural … Continue reading “Culture at the Crux of Place-Based Thinking: Positioning Locally Driven Cultural Development Within a New National Policy Framework”