The report defines quality of life and how it can be distinguished from other related concepts. It discusses why quality of life is important to urban competitiveness and examines how quality of life can be measured and how city league tables are compiled. The components of quality of life are identified making links between the quality of life literature and the literature on happiness. The results of a range of studies are summarised, and evidence shown that the cities identified as having a good quality of life are dependent on the methodology and the variables used. The report argues that quality of life is an important area for spatial competitiveness, but one which most urban policies should be addressing anyway.

The review is part of the Ideopolis project, a research project looking at knowledge cities.

A literature review was undertaken with an emphasis on the links between quality of life and economic success.

The author argues that attracting human capital is a positive way for a city to compete in the knowledge economy. The review uncovered some gaps in the research: the relationship between government policy and quality of life and whether improving quality of life is simply a matter of government policy anyway; the relationship between quality of life and economic growth; territorial competition; different opinions on quality of life; and quality of life and investment. 

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

01/01/2006

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Neil Lee

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Urban economy