We’re five episodes into Placecast – the podcast exploring the ins and outs of knowledge mobilisation for influence in central and local government. So it seems like a good time to take a quick look back at the episodes so far, which we will look at below.
As a bit of a teaser for what’s coming up, earlier this week, Nicola Headlam and I spent two glorious days at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show recording audio for an upcoming episode highlighting the fantastic work of the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales. There’s still a bit of work to go on that episode, but hopefully that will be available later in the year.
You can listen to all of the episodes on Spotify:
Episode Five – Bridging the Gap: Universities, Policy, and the Power of Place
Nicola Headlam speaks with Des McNulty about the evolving relationship between academia and policymaking, particularly through the lens of place-based leadership. They explore how universities can act as hubs of knowledge and collaboration, contributing to local and regional development by aligning research with real-world policy needs. Des reflects on his experience in Scottish politics and academia, emphasising the importance of natural economic units, the role of city regions, and the need for sustainable partnerships. The conversation highlights the value of accumulated expertise, the challenges of institutional structures, and the potential of place-focused strategies to drive meaningful change across the UK.
Episode Four – Inclusive Innovation with Nina Ruddle and Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia
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.
Episode Three – Place Leadership with Chris Naylor and Jamie Ounan
In the third episode of Placecast, Abigail Taylor, Chris Naylor, and Jamie Ounan explore how effective place leadership—rooted in collaboration, local knowledge, ambition, and institutional reform—can drive inclusive and sustainable growth in communities.
Episode Two – Skills at the Local and Regional Level
In the second episode of Placecast, Kostas Kollydas talks with Andy Westwood about the intricacies of skills development, regional inequalities, and the role of local and regional institutions in shaping effective policies.
Episode One – Nicola Headlam in conversation with Rebecca Riley and Abigail Taylor
This conversation, between Dr Nicola Headlam, the LPIP Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Rebecca Riley and LPIP Leadership Theme Lead Dr Abigail Taylor, was a wide-ranging introduction to all things place-based, as all three women have extensive experience moving within and between universities focused on subnational economic development.
Find out more about the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.