An Ideopolis is a sustainable knowledge-intensive city that drives growth in the wider city-region. The report looks at what an Ideopolis needs and how to develop Ideopolis principles, highlighting barriers to current policy. It suggests that Manchester has the basis of the policy and institutional architecture needed to become an Ideopolis and that the merger of the universities, the creation of Knowledge Capital and the strong relationships between the private and public sectors are indications that it has some of the necessary key mechanisms. The implications for other English cities are considered.

The report was commissioned by Manchester City Council to highlight the core principles needed by any city-region to create the architecture for an Ideopolis and to assess how ‘fit for purpose’ Manchester’s decision making structures are and the key barriers which might slow up Manchester’s aspiration to become an Ideopolis. 

The report draws on evidence synthesised from literature reviews and interviews with 16 representatives from key institutions and businesses within the Greater Manchester city-region and some key external stakeholders.

To a great extent Manchester does have the basis of the policy and institutional framework necessary for an Ideopolis because of its strong leadership at city council level and because of the partnership arrangements across local authorities within the conurbation. However a more active pursuing of the city-region agenda is recommended, as is investing in joint working, finding ways round the current institutional divide, lobbying central government, and focusing on the issues most important to the future success of the conurbation. Makes ten recommendations of steps which could be taken at the national, regional and city-region level.

The Work Foundation
Phone: +44 20 7004 7337
enquiries@theworkfoundation.com

01/09/2006

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Laura Williams; Neil Lee; Alexandra Jones; David Coates

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Urban economy