How do communities move from being consulted to being genuinely heard? What does it take to turn knowledge into influence, and influence into action? And what happens when universities, civil society and local leaders commit to working together over the long term rather than through short-term projects? In this episode of Placecast, we explore these … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 14: Power, Trust, and Community Organising in Birmingham”
Placecast Hits 1,000 Downloads: A Milestone for Place-Based Conversations
Placecast, the podcast exploring place-based policy, regional development and local innovation, has officially passed 1,000 downloads, reflecting growing interest in conversations about how places can thrive. Since its launch, Placecast has provided a dedicated platform for voices working across policy, research and practice. Each episode brings together policymakers, academics, practitioners and civic leaders to explore … Continue reading “Placecast Hits 1,000 Downloads: A Milestone for Place-Based Conversations”
Fashion, Textiles and the Cost of Policy Fragmentation in the UK
A new report, by Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable and Alix Coombs, examines how the UK fashion and textiles sector is positioned within national, devolved and local policy frameworks, and what this positioning means for its ability to function as a stable, place-based economic system that supports skills retention, inclusive growth and regional resilience. Conducted as … Continue reading “Fashion, Textiles and the Cost of Policy Fragmentation in the UK”
UKRI’s Place Moment Has Arrived – And Universities Must Step Up
On 5 March 2026, at The Exchange, University of Birmingham, a room full of universities, funders and civic partners gathered for what felt like a quiet turning point. The discussions were billed as a “briefing”, but the tone was unmistakably strategic: UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) centre of gravity is shifting, and the future is … Continue reading “UKRI’s Place Moment Has Arrived – And Universities Must Step Up”
Placecast Episode 13 – Planting Trees You’ll Never Sit Under: Why Nature Recovery Is Central to Regional Development
What if nature recovery wasn’t a “nice to have”, but a foundation of regional development? What if parish councils, farmers, and local communities were recognised as national assets rather than peripheral actors? And what if the future of England’s economy depended not only on cities, but on the rural places that quietly sustain them? In … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 13 – Planting Trees You’ll Never Sit Under: Why Nature Recovery Is Central to Regional Development”
Policy News – April 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports from Parliament Title Details Published Public engagement with the … Continue reading “Policy News – April 2026”
What AI Is (and Isn’t) Delivering for Local Government
Kevin Fenning discusses his new report looking at the use of AI in local government. Read the report – AI in Local Government: Adoption, Benefits and Challenges Artificial intelligence (AI) will be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, offering the potential to massively expand the capabilities of computers, and likely ushering in … Continue reading “What AI Is (and Isn’t) Delivering for Local Government”
Using Arts-Based Methods To Bring Community, Business and Environmental Issues Into Dialogue
LPIP Fellow Allan Macleod introduces himself and the work planned during his place fellowship for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub. I am passionate about helping community voices to be heard in policymaking and believe that research and community-based policymaking is the best way to deliver a more just and equal future for all. In my work … Continue reading “Using Arts-Based Methods To Bring Community, Business and Environmental Issues Into Dialogue”
Skills for the Future: Demand for and Supply of High-Skilled Labour Across England
Dr Kostas Kollydas discusses his recent LPIP Hub study, which maps employer demand for higher-level qualifications, the supply of residents with these qualifications, and the resulting demand-supply gaps across England’s 38 Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas. Read the full report. Background Local skills systems face a long-standing challenge in that employer demand for skills … Continue reading “Skills for the Future: Demand for and Supply of High-Skilled Labour Across England”
Dialling Up Democracy: Renewing Trust Through Civic Innovation
Mark Swift discusses how participatory governance and democratic innovation can help rebuild trust in public life. This article draws on a policy working paper exploring how democratic innovation can strengthen trust, participation and governance in the UK. The full paper examines these ideas in greater depth and outlines practical pathways for “dialling up democracy” in the … Continue reading “Dialling Up Democracy: Renewing Trust Through Civic Innovation”