Identifies the economic roles that major regional cities play in a knowledge based economy. Recommends a set of policy changes to deliver the full economic potential of 'core cities'. Outlines critical success factors for competitiveness in cities. Includes case studies of English core cities. Examines the economic relationship between cities and their regions. Proposes a series of reforms to improve the competitiveness of core cities. Covers issues such as: skills; innovation; strategic spatial frameworks; leadership; and transport connectivity.

The Core Cities Working Group was set up in April 2002 to make recommendations for policy changes and practical actions to enable the major regional cities to fulfil their potential as drivers of the urban renaissance and the economic competitiveness of their regions and thereby strengthen the national economy's capacity for growth. This is the Working Group's final report.

Draws on research specially commissioned for this report, which examined evidence from over 50 European cities. Also presents case studies exemplifying the urban renaissance in each of the eight Core Cities - Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.

Concludes that cities have a pivotal role in creating prosperous regions and sets out an action plan for achieving a step change in the competitiveness of the largest English regional cities, the Core Cities, covering: transport connectivity; innovation; skills; governance and leadership; public realm investment; strategic spatial frameworks; city-region relationships; economic linkages between London and the core cities; learning from and with other European cities; making it happen; and resources.

Urban Policy Directorate, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
enquiryodpm@odpm.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_urbanpolicy/documents/divisionhomepage/040265.hcsp

01/12/2004

//

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Core Cities Working Group

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Competitiveness