This report summarises the findings of a project which set out to explore the connections between cultural diversity, innovation and thriving and prosperous urban communities, in the context of Britain's economic, social and cultural population mix.

It developed strategies to use the potential of diverse communities and their innovation and so provide tools for policymakers, planners and practitioners. The research also helped participating cities to develop economic, social, cultural and planning policies with the aim of becoming role models for others.

The study draws on city-based case studies, thematic studies subjecting aspects of public and urban policy to analysis through an intercultural lens and in-depth interviews with 33 individual inter-cultural innovators in seven cities:

Comparative analysis was conducted with researchers in Europe, North America and Australasia. Reviews of existing literature were also undertaken.

Local government should ensure well-being not only through protecting citizens from discrimination and harassment but also by making the most of resources and potential available in diverse communities, in particular through work with intercultural innovators.

Local Area Agreements and other discretionary regimes could be used to pilot new projects encouraging intercultural innovation and ensure that more investment is made in gathering and interpreting knowledge to inform local decision making.

Grant regimes could favour projects which encourage mixing over those which enshrine separation. Other public, voluntary and private sector stakeholders should consider professional practice from a diversity perspective and adapt accordingly.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation
publications@jrf.org.uk

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//2006

Phil Wood, Charles Landry and Jude Bloomfield

research

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Urban renewal