Levelling up: our research
We’re applying our understanding of society and culture to plot the way forward for a more balanced economy and more equitable country.
The north-west's productivity crisis: causes, challenges and solutions
Prof Kieron Flanagan reflects on the North West Productivity Forum Green Paper on the causes of the region’s productivity gap.
COVID-19 and inequality
Exploring the social impact of COVID-19, focusing on issues facing older people living in urban areas.
Productivity Puzzles
A podcast episode that asks can 'Levelling Up' raise productivity in the Northern Powerhouse?
Creative Towns
The AHRC-funded project explores the role and value of theatre to towns across England.
When policy meets place
A blog about 'Levelling Up' and the culture and creative industries, including cross-sector partnerships in Greater Manchester.
Mind the gap
Greater Manchester is ideally placed to lead a northern research and development revolution, explains Professor Richard Jones.
On Digital Inequalities
Analysis and ideas on addressing digital inequalities, closing the digital divide and solutions to data poverty.
Productivity, skills and devolution
Andy Haldane, Bank of England Chief Economist, discusses how productivity, skills and devolution are key to the levelling up agenda.
English devolution and COVID
Exploring the constraints of the 'devolution revolution', and local government and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Institutions, Governance and the politics of 'Levelling Up'
Professor Andy Westwood writes about the importance of institutes and governance on productivity and regional inequality.
Mortality inequality in England over 20 years
Studying the evolution of age group and gender-specific mortality and inequality in England from 2003 to 2016.
Devolution, mayors and the pandemic
A free, online event examining the question: what has 2020 told us about the kind of devolution we need?
Proposals for house building targets
New proposals for house building targets in England must avoid creating a north-south divide.
Calls for a £375bn levelling up deal in UK
A report calls for the Conservative government's rhetoric around 'Levelling Up' UK to be translated into a £375bn 25-year 'New Deal'.
Levelling up regional imbalances
With transport infrastructure investment still skewed towards London, we need a long-term strategy, says Dr Marianne Sensier.
Inclusive Growth Analysis Unit (IGAU)
Find the Unit's back catalogue of reports on inclusive growth in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Mind the gap: regional inequalities
Professor Bruce Tether examines the distribution and growth of the Creative Industries in the UK at a regional level.
Reframing the 'left behind'
The project provides a re-framing of race and class in post-Brexit Oldham.
Visit Britain: life expectancy map
University researchers highlight the stark differences in life expectancy across the UK using famous landmarks on a map.
Levelling up regional disparities
Dr Marianne Sensier and Dr Elvira Uyarra outline how the need to 'level up' is all the more compelling as we recover from COVID-19.
Local growth and productivity in England
Reviewing the role of governance structures across English regions in tackling spatial inequality and low productivity.
