As part of the City Evolutions research, we have selected five different cities for an in-depth exploration of the role of institutional arrangements and policy initiatives in dealing with economic change over the past 5 decades, including Glasgow.

Economic change has been profound in Glasgow in the decades since the 1960s, with the decline of ship building, heavy industry and other manufacturing in and around the city. At the same time, the city has historically been a commercial hub and centre for financial and other business services; a legacy on which it has continued to draw. The city’s institutional arrangements and policies with regard to economic development have been quite unique compared to other major cities in the UK, due to the distinct status of Scotland within the United Kingdom. The city has also been proactive in formulating new initiatives.

The workshop will present the main findings of the data analysis for Glasgow so far, and explore what the role of institutions and policy has been in dealing with economic change. The discussion will then address the following questions:

• What have been the main institutional arrangements and policy initiatives with regard to the economic development of Glasgow since the 1970s?
• What role have these arrangements and initiatives played in shaping the economic evolution of Glasgow?
• Are there more general lessons concerning institutions and policy for cities coping with and adapting to economic change?

The workshop will take place on 28 March from 2pm – 5pm in Glasgow city centre.  If you are interested in attending, or want to find out more about the project, please contact Rita Beden on rsvp@centreforcities.org