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We are an independent, leading not-for-profit think tank. We work to promote neo-localist ideas through research, events and commentary. Neo-localism is about giving places and people more control over the effects of globalisation.
Neo-localism
Our research and policy programme is guided by the concept of neo-localism. Neo-localism is about giving places and people more control over the effects of globalisation. It is concerned by economic prosperity, but also enhancing other aspects of people’s lives such as family and culture. It is not anti-globalisation, but wants to bend the mainstream of social and economic policy so that place is put at the centre of political thinking.
In particular our work is focused on four areas:
- Decentralising political economy. Developing and differentiating regional economies and an accompanying devolution of democratic leadership.
- Empowering local leadership. Elevating the role and responsibilities of local leaders in shaping and directing their place.
- Extending local civil capacity. The mission of the strategic authority as a convener of civil society; from private to charity sector, household to community.
- Reforming public services. Ideas to help save the public services and institutions upon which many in society depend.
The thrust of our work, and our view on how neo-localism can be achieved in today’s UK, is encapsulated in our report Hitting Reset, which can be read here.
What we do
We publish research throughout the year, from extensive reports to shorter pamphlets, on a diverse range of policy areas. In the past year we have published reports on a number of subjects including:
- Renewing Neighbourhood Democracy – Creating Powerful Communities
- Fiscal devolution
- Protecting our social infrastructure
- Maximising social value in place
- Industrial strategy and clean local growth
- Place-based population health
- Reform of central/local relations and political economy
- The impact and importance of local economic anchors.
- The policy required to centre fairness and inclusivity in the transition to smart cities.
- Reforming public service markets to create a more ethical commercialism.
You can read about our current projects here.
We run a broad events programme, including roundtable discussions, panel events and an extensive party conference programme. Recent speakers at our events have included George Freeman MP, Sir Simon Jenkins and Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol.
We also run a membership network of local authorities and corporate fellows.
If you are interested in partnering with us in our work and membership network, please contact [email protected].
The Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments (SFVC) online platform allows stakeholders to inform the public about their work on DRR. The SFVC online platform is a useful toolto know who is doing what and where for the implementation of the Sendai Framework, which could foster potential collaboration among stakeholders. All stakeholders (private sector, civil society organizations, academia, media, local governments, etc.) working on DRR can submit their commitments and report on their progress and deliverables.