Prof Neil Lee

This course is available on the MPhil/PhD in Economic Geography, MSc in Geographic Data Science, MSc in Local Economic Development and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

A good background in economic geography, economics, public policy, social policy or regional and urban studies.

Economic change is reshaping local economies. Trade and new technologies are changing labour markets, raising concerns about the future of work. New, disruptive tech industries concentrate in a small number of tech hubs, leading to spatial inequality. And these tech hubs themselves are often marked by inequality and exclusion of many groups. These issues raise important challenges for policymakers. How can they balance the tension between innovation and inequality? Is it possible to grow the economy in a way which benefits workers? Is Inclusive Growth possible in the modern economy?

This course focuses on the intersection between local economic development, technological change, and labour markets. The aim is to take academic work and apply it to policy: each week we cover academic theory and evidence and then relate this to a current policy challenge. Topics include the geography of poverty, spatial labour markets, labour market change, the challenge of high- and low-skills policy, and the geography of social mobility. The second half of the term focuses on the critical analysis of policy agendas. Topics include the impact of tech-led development on low-wage workers, spatial targeting of anti-poverty efforts, microfinance and entrepreneurship, and inclusive innovation policy.

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

This course is delivered via a series of seminars in Lent Term.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term.

Students are expected to present, debate, and participate actively in seminars.

Lee, N. 2018. Inclusive Growth in Cities: A Sympathetic Critique, Regional Studies, 53(9), 424-434. OECD. 2014. All on board: Making inclusive growth happen. Paris: OECD; E Moretti, 2013, The New Geography of Jobs.

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.