Cities matter to business in the knowledge economy: they are the places that offer organisations access to highly skilled workers, affluent consumers and the opportunity to innovate and exhange ideas.
Knowledge is vital for the future economic success of the UK economy, while cities are increasingly recognised as being both the crucibles of economic activity and the places where most people live, work and invest. Understanding knowledge cities is key to Britain’s future economic and social success.
The Work Foundation has been conducting a range of research on knowledge cities, looking at: how they are created; how they relate to nearby towns, cities and rural areas; and how individual cities can respond to the challenges of the knowledge economy.
In April 2006 Ideopolis: Knowledge City Regions completed the first phase of the research project. It looked at whether knowledge cities have distinct qualities, what factors create a knowledge city, and what contribution knowledge makes to economic success and quality of life in a city. The report identified nine drivers of success in knowledge cities
We have developed insights that cities can use to help them thrive in the changing economy and carried out bespoke research and consultancy with city regions to help them understand how the knowledge economy affects them and what they need to do to grow their economy further.
Phase 2 - The Knowledge City Region
The next phase of our research is looking at how different cities can thrive in the knowledge economy. Key issues we are investigating include the role of HE and FE and collaboration between places in the knowledge economy.
Read more about Ideopolis phase 2
If you would like to support our research or work with us on issues in your area please contact:
Sarah Barnett
Ideopolis Programme Delivery Manager
Tel: 020 7976 3596
email