Blog

The Heseltine Institute blog provides a space for policymakers, practitioners and academics to share their aspirations, knowledge and policy ideas across a range of topics to influence and inform public policies for tomorrow's cities and city regions.

Blogs from our archive can be accessed here.


 

 

Unleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City RegionUnleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City Region

Unleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City Region

In the first of a two-part blog, Heseltine Institute Visiting Fellow Mark Swift discusses the use of imagination in policymaking. Citing a range of examples of creative thinking in the public and third sectors, Mark highlights a range of methodologies designed to harness our collective imagination.

Posted on: 18 January 2023

Liverpool City Region’s Freeport is now open, but what exactly is it? Liverpool City Region’s Freeport is now open, but what exactly is it?

Liverpool City Region’s Freeport is now open, but what exactly is it?

Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) new freeport has received sign-off from the government, following approval of its full business case earlier this week.

Posted on: 12 January 2023

Place-based employment support conference co-hosted by the Heseltine Institute, University of Liverpool and City-REDI/WMREDI, University of BirminghamPlace-based employment support conference co-hosted by the Heseltine Institute, University of Liverpool and City-REDI/WMREDI, University of Birmingham

Place-based employment support conference co-hosted by the Heseltine Institute, University of Liverpool and City-REDI/WMREDI, University of Birmingham

On Thursday 16th June the Heseltine Institute at the University of Liverpool and City-REDI/WMREDI at the University of Birmingham are co-hosting an event in Liverpool on the theme of Employment Support and Future Skills: Benefits of a Place-Based Approach.

Posted on: 16 June 2022

Developing local solutions to the problem of precarious workDeveloping local solutions to the problem of precarious work

Developing local solutions to the problem of precarious work

In his last blog, James Hickson showed how the rise of precarious working arrangements – such as zero-hours contracts and gig economy work – threatens worker freedom, the wellbeing of communities, and local economic prosperity across the UK. Here he explores how innovative local solutions are now required to help disrupt and dismantle this unjust economic model.

Posted on: 21 March 2022

Precarious work is on the rise: Why is this a problem?Precarious work is on the rise: Why is this a problem?

Precarious work is on the rise: Why is this a problem?

In the first of two blogs, Heseltine Institute Research Associate James Hickson explores the scale of precarious work in the contemporary UK labour market, and outlines why this poses a distinct threat to individuals, communities, and local economies.

Posted on: 8 March 2022

Trickle Down Economics Doesn’t Work: Michael Gove, New Public Management and the Levelling Up White PaperTrickle Down Economics Doesn’t Work: Michael Gove, New Public Management and the Levelling Up White Paper

Trickle Down Economics Doesn’t Work: Michael Gove, New Public Management and the Levelling Up White Paper

James Coe discusses whether the Levelling Up White Paper reflects a shift away from trickle down economics, towards greater government intervention. James is Head of Sustainability, Policy, and Civic Engagement at the University of Liverpool.

Posted on: 3 March 2022

A Science Superpower needs Knowledge FreeportsA Science Superpower needs Knowledge Freeports

A Science Superpower needs Knowledge Freeports

The UK Government's Levelling Up White Paper wants to create a 21st century Medici effect, with high levels of innovation and growth beyond the golden triangle, led by centrally administered 'Innovation Accelerators', in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. Ian Wray argues for a different approach: 'Knowledge Freeports' rooted in collaboration between business leadership and universities.\n\nIan Wray is a Visiting Professor and Fellow in the Heseltine Institute, author of 'Great British Plans: Who Made Them and How They Worked' and advisor to the UK 2070 Commission on regional inequalities.

Posted on: 3 February 2022

The Integrated Rail Plan: All Change?The Integrated Rail Plan: All Change?

The Integrated Rail Plan: All Change?

The long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) was published on Thursday (18 November), with reaction from Northern politicians, regional media, economic geographers, rail nerds and commuters remarkably united.

Posted on: 19 November 2021

What does the Autumn Budget mean for Liverpool City Region?What does the Autumn Budget mean for Liverpool City Region?

What does the Autumn Budget mean for Liverpool City Region?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Autumn Budget and Spending Review on Wednesday, setting out the Government’s tax and spending plans. In this blog, Heseltine Institute Research Associates James Hickson and Tom Arnold explore the implications for Liverpool City Region and discuss what the Budget means for local government and the future of devolution in England.

Posted on: 29 October 2021

    Blog

    Unleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City RegionUnleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City Region

    Unleashing our imagination for political and social change in the Liverpool City Region

    In the first of a two-part blog, Heseltine Institute Visiting Fellow Mark Swift discusses the use of imagination in policymaking. Citing a range of examples of creative thinking in the public and third sectors, Mark highlights a range of methodologies designed to harness our collective imagination.

    Posted on: 18 January 2023