PlaceCast is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub production based at City-REDI, University of Birmingham. Our new podcast is essential listening for those keen to explore the ins and outs of knowledge mobilisation for influence in central and local government, based on the view that it’s only through animating the power of place-based leadership that the wicked problems of 2025 can become more manageable.
In the fourth episode of Placecast, Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia sits down with Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement, Wrexham University. Their conversation dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of inclusive innovation, particularly in the context of Wales.
Nina Ruddle is a graduate of the University of Liverpool in Geography and Civic Design. Nina has 20 years’ experience in public services in education, social and economic regeneration, and policy development/delivery.
As Head of Public Policy Engagement, she leads Wrexham University’s civic mission partnership strategy across North Wales, which delivers a wide range of co-created civic mission work in collaboration with a vast range of partners and communities and aims to end social inequality by 2030. This work ranges from enabling systems leadership and whole systems thinking to support the implementation of the Well being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015, to establishing a North Wales Children’s University and leadership education for Children and Young People focused on leadership, health & well being, skills for the future, aspiration, and food poverty. Earlier this year, she was recognised in the Future Generations Changemaker 100 list for Wales.
Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia is a Research Fellow at City-REDI, Business School, where he leads an inclusive innovation research agenda. His work centres on developing tailored frameworks and toolkits to enhance place-based, inclusive local innovation ecosystems.
Key points from the podcast:
Nina’s Journey and Passion for Wales
Nina shares her personal journey growing up in Shotton, a steel town in North Wales, and how her experiences shaped her commitment to social justice and inclusive policy. Her work spans decades in public service, from local government to Welsh Government, always with a focus on education, regeneration, and civic engagement.
Inclusive Innovation as a Practice
Inclusive innovation must be done with communities, not for them. Nina sees her role as a “translator” between citizens and systems, helping bridge grassroots insight with strategic leadership.
Some great examples of inclusive innovation that Nina has been involved with include:
- Children’s University: Encourages learning outside the classroom through community engagement.
- Bob Talks: Youth-led storytelling initiative that empowers older students to share their experiences and influence policy.
- Climate Change Risk Assessment: A citizen-led data project that influenced regional climate planning.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act
Wales is the first country to legislate for sustainable development. The Act includes seven wellbeing goals and five ways of working (involve, integrate, long-term, prevention, collaborate). In the podcast, Nina emphasises the “involve” principle as central to inclusive innovation.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the successes, Nina is candid about the challenges. She discusses the implementation gap—the difficulty of turning good policy into real change—and the need for trust, relationships, and shared narratives. She emphasises that failure is part of the process and advocates for a culture of learning and agility. Institutional language, rigid structures, and short-term funding cycles hinder inclusive innovation.
Strategic Vision for Change
Nina calls for a clear, shared narrative that communities can rally around. She believes that clarity of purpose—focused on the problems rather than jumping to solutions—can unite diverse stakeholders in meaningful action.
Measuring Success
When measuring the success of a project, traditional metrics often fail to capture the value of participation and co-creation. Nina suggests starting with shared purpose and valuing all forms of knowledge—academic, lived, and practical.
Transcript
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Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the author and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.