Scaling Place-Based Innovation: Lessons From the WMREDI Partnership Model

The West Midlands Region Economic Development Institute (WMREDI), led by City-REDI, University of Birmingham, has been a transformative force in regional economic development. At its heart lies a unique partnership model—a collaborative framework that brought together universities, local authorities, businesses, and civic institutions to co-produce research, policy, and innovation. City-REDI is now leading the Local … Continue reading “Scaling Place-Based Innovation: Lessons From the WMREDI Partnership Model”

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Placecast Podcast – Episode Eight – Dream Before You Think: Unlocking Civic Imagination for Social Change

Episode Eight of the Placecast Podcast dives deep into the power of place-based leadership and social entrepreneurship with guest Mark Swift, a social entrepreneur with over 15 years’ experience in health and care. Hosted by Nicola Headlam, the conversation explores how community-centred approaches can transform health outcomes, reduce demand on public services, and reconfigure system … Continue reading “Placecast Podcast – Episode Eight – Dream Before You Think: Unlocking Civic Imagination for Social Change”

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Lessons for a Place-Based Green Industrial Policy in the UK

Ed Atkins makes the case for new climate policies that boost local and regional economies. Ed is a Place Fellow at the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub. This blog introduces the work he will be undertaking for the LPIP Hub. The UK government’s legal obligation to reach net zero by 2050 necessitates wholesale action. … Continue reading “Lessons for a Place-Based Green Industrial Policy in the UK”

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Neighbouring Data: Three Reports on the Data Observatory

And Towns Research Fellow, Joseph Owen, outlines the work from the Neighbouring Data research project. This blog was first published on the And Towns website. Across three reports, Neighbouring Data has drawn together, animated, and analysed place-based data on pride, culture, heritage, health, and wellbeing. By analysing different types of quantitative, qualitative and creative data collected from … Continue reading “Neighbouring Data: Three Reports on the Data Observatory”

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The Seven Essentials of Effective Place-Based Growth: Insights from the LPIP Hub Fringe Event 

At the Labour Party Conference Fringe Event, hosted by the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub and the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, a dynamic group of academics, policymakers, civic leaders, and elected officials came together to explore the future of place-based growth in the UK.  The discussion was anchored around the … Continue reading “The Seven Essentials of Effective Place-Based Growth: Insights from the LPIP Hub Fringe Event “

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Policy News – October 2025

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 that you would like to be featured in Policy News, please get in touch. UK Government Inquiries Title Details Deadline … Continue reading “Policy News – October 2025”

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Bridging Research and Real-World Impact: My Fellowship with LPIP Hub

Earlier this year, the LPIP Hub celebrated the appointment of its Place Fellows. In a series of blogs, the Place Fellows will introduce themselves and the work they have planned for the LPIP Hub. First up, Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement and the London Met Lab at London Metropolitan University. I’m excited to introduce … Continue reading “Bridging Research and Real-World Impact: My Fellowship with LPIP Hub”

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Placecast Podcast – Episode Seven – Rethinking Public Funding and Place-Based Governance in England

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 … Continue reading “Placecast Podcast – Episode Seven – Rethinking Public Funding and Place-Based Governance in England”

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Policy Innovate – 24 September 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of Policy Innovate. Policy Innovate aims to gather and disseminate the work of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) programme and wider relevant research to provide evidence on building confidence, capacity, and capability in an effective service-driven approach to place-based policy-making and public service delivery. The LPIP Hub seeks to address … Continue reading “Policy Innovate – 24 September 2025”

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Governing for Net zero? A British Academy Report and its value to Local Policy Making

Dr Jake Barnes introduces a British Academy report, launched on 29 July and what it means for those innovating local policy making to deliver and scale solutions to local issues. On Tuesday 29 July the British Academy launched a new report Governance to Accelerate Net Zero. The report draws attention to the importance of governance … Continue reading “Governing for Net zero? A British Academy Report and its value to Local Policy Making”

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