This is a new area activity for OpenCities. Goals include generating debate and learning, encouraging new thinking, and sharing knowledge of ‘what works’ in the area of economic change management. In particular:
• conducting and publishing research into key aspects of economic change management
• summary and distribution of key findings/best practice in formats suitable for policy makers
• facilitating exchange of knowledge and best practice in the area of economic change management through networks and conferences
Recent examples of our work include:
• Publication of short articles and introductions to reports such as introduction to the knowledge economy in 2009 Middle East Business Focus; article on the economic cities in Saudi Arabia in Middle East Association quarterly
• Chairing panel discussions on vocational education at UKTI sponsored conference in Cairo in December 2008
• Key note speech at the London Business School conference on education in the Middle East and North Africa in 2008; speaker at London conference on vocational education in 2007
• Acting as external reviewer of World Bank Independent Evaluation Report on Bank lending to Middle Income Countries in 2007
