Explaining urban, regional and population dynamics

We are interested in explaining the dynamics of cities, those systems into which they can be ordered, and how these are influenced by inter and intra regional geography. We are particularly interested in various forms of flow within this context.

Predicting the success of local gatherings:
A comparison of organizer- and participant-side success in Meetup

This study explores how local gatherings organized through Event-Based Social Networking (EBSN) platforms succeed across urban environments.

Using data from over one million events in the 500 largest U.S. cities from Meetup.com, it examines how geospatial, community, and event-specific factors influence outcomes. The analysis shows that participant engagement is mainly driven by community characteristics, while organiser success depends on a broader combination of factors.

Consistent patterns, such as strong participation in fitness events, highlight the role of socio-cultural preferences. The study also finds that event success varies significantly between cities, independent of population size, underscoring the importance of local context.

These results support existing social theories on urban interaction and provide actionable insights for platform designers, community organisers, and policymakers aiming to foster local engagement. Ultimately, the study emphasises the need to account for socio-spatial heterogeneity when designing digital systems that support urban community life.

Publication

Hsu, J. H. P., Mahabir, R., Gonzales, V., Gkountouna, O., Hilal, A., & Lee, M. (2026). Predicting the success of local gatherings: A comparison of organizer- and participant-side success in Meetup. Cities, 169, 106530.

Financial Precarity Classification

Financial precarity, the state of economic insecurity characterised by unpredictable employment and declining social protection significantly impacts cognitive functioning, emotional stability and social inclusion.

The Financial Precarity Classification (FPC) is the first national geodemographic classification across Great Britain that captures the spatial distribution of financial insecurity at a small-area level. The classification is developed upon neighbourhood-level indicators covering employment patterns, income levels, asset holdings, debt obligations, and lifestyle characteristics to reflect financial precarity as a condition shaped by multiple interconnected factors.

The classification maps financial precarity at a fine spatial scale, enabling comparisons between local areas and revealing how economic vulnerability varies across different geographical contexts, including rural and urban areas, city centres and peripheries, and coastal and inland communities across Great Britain.

The research offers new insights into the spatial dimensions of financial precarity in contemporary Britain, supporting more targeted and place-sensitive policy responses.

Publication

Ye, Z., & Singleton, A. (2026). Thriving or surviving: Understanding the geography of financial precarity in Great Britain. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 125, 102399.