International Conference on Cities in Transformation

Tying into our Century of Cities work on the history of UK urban economies over the last 100 years, Centre for Cities is participating in an ESRC-funded project to map out the changing role and significance of cities, and the issues they face in the 21st century. As part of this project, there will be a two-day conference at the University of Cambridge looking at the challenges and policy priorities facing cities in an age of urban transformation.

The conference will bring together panelists from a national and international context to understand how history, industry and institutions impact on the future growth of cities, and how policy interventions can support cities to prosper. Over the two days, panel sessions and debates will explore issues such as:

• The patterns of city change, transformation and resilience looking at examples from the UK, USA, Germany, and China
• How innovation and leadership can support growth and adaptability in cities
• What the changing shape of cities means for labour markets and social inequality
• Current policy challenges facing cities today such as fiscal devolution and the impact of austerity.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Ron Martin and Pete Tyler, Cambridge University
• Peter Sunley, Southampton University
• Andy Pike and Peter O’Brien, Newcastle University
• Paul Swinney and Andrew Carter, Centre for Cities
• John Holden, New Economy Manchester
• Richard Kenny, Birmingham City Council
• Phil McCann, University of Groningen
• Mark Kleinman, Greater London Authority
• Lewis Herbert, Cambridge City Council
• Ian Gordon and Neil Lee, London School of Economics
• Paul Hildreth and John Tomaney, University College London

For more up to date information and to book a place, click here.