Photo of Dr James Hickson

Dr James Hickson

Research Associate Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

About

Personal Statement

I am a political theorist, and policy researcher, working at the interface of politics, philosophy, and economics.

My research focuses on three interconnected themes:
(i) Insecure work
(ii) Local economic development
(iii) Local democracy and the future of devolution.

These themes are tied together by an overarching interest in understanding the significance of economic, social, and political precarity in contemporary urban life, how this is experienced, and what can be done to address it.

I joined the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place as a Research Associate in 2021 following the completion of my PhD in Politics at the University of York. I also hold an MA in Legal and Political Theory from UCL and a BA in Politics and International Relations from Royal Holloway.

Prior to joining the Heseltine Institute I worked as a Research Officer with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, working closely on long-term economic strategy and the devolution agenda. I have also previously completed visiting positions at Harvard University, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).