Ideopolis: Knowledge City-Regions Programme of Research

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.

"I particularly value The Work Foundation’s work for a very simple reason. As I’ve gone round urban Britain - the big cities, the smaller towns - knowledge and universities are at the heart of urban renaissance."

David Miliband, formerly Cabinet Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Ideopolis: Knowledge City Regions Phase 1 (April 2006)

Phase 1 of our research on knowledge cities, 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.

Ideopolis: knowledge city-regions - full report

Ideopolis: knowledge city-regions - executive summary

Ideopolis: Knowledge City Regions Phase 2

 

The next phase of our research is looking at ‘how different cities can thrive in the knowledge economy’ and what the implications of our findings are for policymakers and practitioners. Key issues we are investigating include the role of HE and FE and collaboration between places in the knowledge economy. For more information see Ideopolis Knowledge City Regions Phase 2.

Contact Us

For more information about our Ideopolis research please contact

Alexandra Jones  or Laura Williams on:

020 7976 3620

Ideopolis: Knowledge Cities updates

March 2008  (pdf 113kb)
February 2008  (pdf 110kb)
January 2008  (pdf 108kb)

An email containing up to date details of papers, events, media work and other Ideopolis developments is circulated on a monthly basis. To receive this mailing directly to your inbox, please contact Sarah Barnett

City Case Studies

We conducted 15 case studies for the 1st phase of Ideopolis: