Rebecca Riley analyses the likely next Prime Minister’s flagship speech through the lens of City-REDI and the LPIP Hub’s research, looking specifically at plans for industrial strategy. We take a look at Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution in this blog. Burnham’s speech implicitly raises a question that has been simmering in industrial strategy circles since … Continue reading “From National Sectors to Local Strengths: Does Burnham’s Vision Rewrite Industrial Strategy?”
Tag: Rebecca Riley
Andy Burnham’s Devolution Vision: What Does the Evidence Say?
Rebecca Riley analyses the likely next Prime Minister’s flagship speech through the lens of City-REDI and the LPIP Hub’s research. We take a look at Burnham’s plans for the industrial strategy in this blog. Today, Andy Burnham delivered his first major policy speech since launching his bid for the Labour leadership, and, in all likelihood, … Continue reading “Andy Burnham’s Devolution Vision: What Does the Evidence Say?”
Placecast Episode 16: Beyond Publications: Building Research Careers That Matter
In this episode of PlaceCast, Rebecca Riley talks to Dr Conor O’Carroll about how research careers need to evolve to better support place-based policy and real-world impact. Dr O’Carroll argues that traditional academic pathways, particularly the PhD as a route into academia, are no longer fit for purpose, with most researchers working beyond universities. The … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 16: Beyond Publications: Building Research Careers That Matter”
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”
Beyond the “Productivity Miracle”: What the Data Really Tell Us About Northern Cities
In recent weeks, claims of a “productivity miracle” in some of the UK’s northern cities have sparked lively debate (which I have been part of!). New subregional productivity data appears to show that places like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and others have dramatically outpaced national trends since 2019, but with a very specific high jump in … Continue reading “Beyond the “Productivity Miracle”: What the Data Really Tell Us About Northern Cities”
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”
Mapping the Future of Civic University Engagement: Introducing the Civic 6 Framework
Rebecca Riley introduces the Civic 6 Framework—a tool designed to help UK universities reflect on and strengthen their civic and policy engagement. It outlines six models of engagement, from regionally embedded institutes to national think tanks, offering a flexible structure for aligning institutional strategies with local and national priorities. The framework supports self-assessment, stakeholder consultation, and … Continue reading “Mapping the Future of Civic University Engagement: Introducing the Civic 6 Framework”
Responding to Richard Jones: Civic Engagement in Practice at City-REDI and the University of Birmingham
In this response to Richard Jones’ blog, Rebecca Riley highlights how the University of Birmingham is putting civic engagement into practice through City-REDI, the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub, and its Civic Agreement. Showing how universities can play a vital role in tackling regional inequality and supporting local growth. Richard Jones’ recent blog offers … Continue reading “Responding to Richard Jones: Civic Engagement in Practice at City-REDI and the University of Birmingham”
Powering Up Local Leaders: The Data Revolution
Rebecca Riley emphasises the urgent need for data devolution to empower Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) in England, highlighting seven key reforms to improve data access, governance, and collaboration. In our data-driven world, we can’t focus enough on the importance of data transparency and accessibility. My recent briefing paper for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) … Continue reading “Powering Up Local Leaders: The Data Revolution”
What Is Innovation in Policy?
Innovation in policy is more than a buzzword—it’s the engine that drives transformative change in the face of complex challenges. As societies grapple with economic disparities, environmental crises, and evolving community needs, traditional approaches to policymaking often fall short. Innovation offers a pathway to reimagine how policies are designed and implemented, making them more adaptive, … Continue reading “What Is Innovation in Policy?”