Cities in Transformation: Processes, Problems and Policies

In recent years, cities and city-regions have assumed growing prominence in discussions over economic growth, performance, and prosperity across the world. Both geographers and economists point to the increasing concentration of economic activity and wealth creation in cities, and their crucial importance as the loci of national prosperity. Politicians and policymakers in national governments and international bodies have likewise recognized the key economic role that cities play, and have correspondingly directed attention to cities as the foci of policy intervention and governance reform. Cities have come to dominate how we think and talk about economies.

However, there is little doubt that cities are navigating a turbulent and uncertain context, and face an unprecedented and intense set of economic, social and environmental challenges.  There is mounting evidence that different cities are demonstrating very different capacities to adapt, cope with and respond to such challenges leading to diverse and unpredictable outcomes.  Some cities have grown rapidly, while others have lagged behind. Other cities have managed to ‘reinvent’ themselves, and undergo economic resurgence, while others have declined. Differences in adaptability mean that while some cities are experiencing the intensification and worsening of economic inequalities and failures, other cities appear able to develop innovative solutions and new growth paths.  In the context of the decentralization and devolution of policy-making and responsibility to cities and city-regions, such differences between cities will assume increased significance.  

A refereed selection of papers from this conference will appear in a special issue of the Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society.

Conference Registration - Please select dates 14th - 15th July which will give you the option to select a standard or PhD ticket 

Reception & Gala Dinner - There is the option to book a ticket for the dinner on the night of 14th 

Accommodation - There are a limited number of en-suite rooms available to book for the nights on 13th and 14th July. Bedrooms will be resold to the public if not booked by 17th June.