With Andy Burnham back at the heart of British politics, you can hear his thoughts on how Britain’s economy and government should be reformed in his recent conversation with Michael Kenny and Diane Coyle at the Bennett School of Public Policy Annual Conference on 26 March 2026. Watch: bit.ly/48c0qfH

News: Research on AI governance & digital sovereignty by @alturobov.bsky.social has been cited in a House of Commons Library briefing. He argues that if governments can’t inspect AI, challenge its rules, or force interoperability, they become dependent on whoever controls it. 👉 bit.ly/4dtkhJf

Why AI is not just ‘plug and play’ for businesses In a new blog, @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social & Nghi Nguyen discuss their paper with @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social & Rebecca Riley, exploring the organisational requirements for AI adoption. Read: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/publications...

Can digital currencies create a more inclusive financial system, or will they deepen existing inequalities? In this month's episode of Crossing Channels, Sumedha Deshmukh & Bruno Biais discuss the promises, risks & policy challenges shaping the future of money. Listen: pod.fo/e/412dea

Today, we welcomed delegates from the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM), @tsinghuauniversity.bsky.social, for discussions on shared research & teaching priorities. Prof @michaelkenny.bsky.social, Prof Xufeng Zhu, & colleagues explored policy insights & opportunities for collaboration.

We're delighted to welcome Dr Siyi Liu as an Associate Researcher. Siyi will work on the AIxGeo project using a mixed-methods approach to unpack the power dynamics, policy narratives & emergent coalitions that shape the international AI policy & governance. Read more about Siyi: bit.ly/4wjHiGS

The success of the Asian “miracle” economies was driven less by markets alone & more by effective industrial policy institutions, according to new research by Fuad Hasanov, Reda Cherif & Gary Xie. Their new paper propose a “4As” framework for effective industrial policy institutions: bit.ly/48NDAeL

In a new blog, Nghi Nguyen & @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social discuss research showing AI systems are not “plug & play” gadgets you can simply purchase & turn on. AI adoption requires structured management approaches that enable coordination, & UK policy needs to support that. 👉https://bit.ly/3QJIOlB

Congratulations to @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social for being awarded an honorary doctorate by @uocuniversitat.bsky.social in recognition of her academic & institutional career, as well as for her contribution to contemporary economic thought. Read more about Diane's honorary degree & work bit.ly/42hywvx

AI is more than plug-and-play for businesses New research by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social Nghi Nguyen & Rebecca Riley shows larger firms adopt AI faster than SMEs, & strong management is key. AI uptake depends on how firms are run, not just tech access. 👇 bit.ly/48KP2I5

At our Annual Conference, researchers shared their latest work. We’ll share their project posters over the coming weeks. First: Burcu Sevde Selvi & @ojgarling.bsky.social discuss skills mismatches in East Anglia & gaps to support young people’s transition into work. Poster: bit.ly/4nceZpJ

Did you miss out on this morning's breakfast podcast with @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social & @bartvanark.bsky.social? Listen to the audio on Productivity Puzzles wherever you get your podcasts: podfollow.com/productivity... #NationalProductivityWeek #Productivity #Podcast

Have we gone too far with British declinism? ft.trib.al/51fFXVW

Pleased to see the publication as part of #NationalProductivityWeek of our @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk / @productivity.bsky.social report on skills mismatches for young people in East Anglia. There's also a blog setting out our key findings:

An excellent, and excellently self-aware, review of three of the latest books on Britain, a reminder of how far we've come, and of our decline (or not), and our inequalities and lost potentials by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...

As #NationalProductivityWeek wraps up, East Anglia’s challenge is clear: we have the talent—now we need the strategy. Our 10-year plan: ✅ stronger career/training pathways for 16-yr-olds & beyond ✅ Empower SMEs to invest in progression ✅ Connect skills policy with transport & housing bit.ly/4n11lWh

TODAY: We launch our new report on Skills Mismatch and Young People in East Anglia! 🎓🚀 To unlock the region’s potential, we need more than short-term fixes. Our research suggests a 10-year youth strategy that treats skills as a preventative investment. 📥 Read the report: bit.ly/4n11lWh

Tomorrow's "Ask the expert" live breakfast podcast will feature @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social from @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk, where @bartvanark.bsky.social will talk to her about the links between productivity, digitalisation and AI: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ask-the-ex... Wednesday 29 April - 8.30am

Why do employers report skills shortages while young people can't find strong career paths? In East Anglia, mismatch is rising: fewer under-19 apprenticeships, 1/3 of grads in non-grad jobs after 5 yrs, & only ~50% in well-matched roles. We need a system that builds fulfilling lives, not just jobs.

New blog—Economic growth is measured by GDP. A revised definition now includes investment in data, reflecting its growing role in production. @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social & @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social look at how this change will boost GDP levels—potentially shaping future fiscal policy. bit.ly/4sYpb6o

It’s the start of #NationalProductivityWeek 2026! We’re joining @productivity.bsky.social & partners across the UK to focus on delivering better outcomes for people, firms & places. Productivity drives higher wages, resilient businesses & stronger communities. Full event schedule: bit.ly/4eN8t6B

One day after submitting his independent review on foreign financial interference in UK politics, Philip Rycroft (former Permanent Secretary to DExEU) spoke about his work at our Annual Conference — warning that the threat to democracy is “real” & “persistent.” Watch: youtu.be/3hlnWEWdTyg?...

Can governments deliver growth? Experts at our Conference discussed the UK’s growth problem, challenges, opportunities, & what could unlock productivity. 3 priorities sparked debate: Fix housing supply Deliver infrastructure more effectively Tackle energy costs & capacity Watch: bit.ly/4vKhUdn

In an era of political polarisation & declining public trust, how do we keep evidence at the heart of policymaking? @ehsanmasood.bsky.social highlights 2 key pressures: funding & populism. Watch the Annual Conference session on evidence-based policymaking in polarised times: bit.ly/3QpiY6a

At our Annual Conference, @antonioweiss.bsky.social, Jessica Montgomery & Fay Skevington explored AI & public services—the potential benefits, the associated challenges & how they can be addressed—to ensure AI serves the public good. Watch the session: youtu.be/xC2T4D7GiOw?...

If you’re interested in how regional leadership can drive real economic growth, hear Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, share insights into his region’s economic success story. He discusses how place-based policy, governance, & devolution have shaped the region’s progress. bit.ly/48c0qfH

Watch our Annual Conference keynote, delivered by João Pedro Vale de Almeida, former Senior EU Ambassador on “The Divorce of Nations”—examining the emerging geo-strategic challenges shaping public policy in an increasingly fragmented world. 👀https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMaDf7epq88

Our Annual Conference tackled some of the biggest policy challenges of our time. From AI’s potential to transform public services to the realities of driving economic growth, discussions focused on research & practical solutions. Watch the sessions: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/conference

The Bennett School of Public Policy's Annual Conference was connected by a common thread: a focus on the right kind of growth, fairly shared. MPhil student Joe Gaynor reflects on the policy challenges & possible solutions that emerged throughout the day. Blog: bit.ly/4teHmWL

We’re excited to share that the highlights from the Bennett School of Public Policy Annual Conference 2026 are now live! 🎥 Watch the session recordings 📸 Explore the event photos 🖼️ View the research posters Take a look & join the conversation: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/events/annua...

What does firm-level data reveal about how UK businesses are adopting AI? @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social & Nghi Nguyen examine the characteristics of early business AI adopters to understand what types of business are adopting AI, at what pace, & with what expectations. Read the blog: bit.ly/427h10w

As the UK govt advances its New Towns agenda, @thomasaubreycca.bsky.social argues current funding plans are ill-equipped to deliver infrastructure at scale. He calls for reviving long-term, bond-based financing to unlock large-scale housing & growth without straining public finances. bit.ly/41Y8VHu

We’re launching a new MPhil in Digital Policy, alongside our MPhil in Public Policy & upcoming PhD in Public Policy (2027). Build skills in policy analysis, economics & tech—then apply them to real-world challenges. Applications for the MPhil in Digital Policy close 23 April. More: bit.ly/4mbINm6

The Bennett School of Public Policy looks forward to collaborating with the new Rokos School of Government on academically rigorous & interdisciplinary research, teaching, & engagement. This welcome new initiative underlines the University of Cambridge's leading role in evidence-driven policymaking.

What does it take to shape markets for inclusive growth? Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the @North East Combined Authority (NECA), explores how devolution, investment, & local leadership can unlock change—from Grainger Market to AI growth zones. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/shaping...

🆕Government promised pension reforms to boost returns for savers & drive more long-term UK investment. There are some encouraging signs—but to truly deliver, the agenda needs to be far more ambitious. The Pensions Commission needs to think big, writes @craigpberry.bsky.social Read: bit.ly/4uWd1NK

And that's a wrap on the Bennett School of Public Policy Annual Conference 2026. Thank you to delegates at @churchillcol.bsky.social and those online for an excellent day of meaningful discussion. Look out for the recording of the Conference sessions to watch back at bennettschool.cam.ac.uk

Our final session today is the keynote delivered by former Senior Ambassador to the EU João Vale de Almeida on the growing fragmentation of the global order.

We are delighted that Bennett School Affiliate Philip Rycroft was able to join @michaelkenny.bsky.social to discuss his review into foreign financial interference in UK politics, published yesterday.

Our next panel is chaired by @terzibus.bsky.social, with @sambowman.co, @asvalero.bsky.social and @zach-meyers.bsky.social tackles a fundamental question at the heart of today’s policy debates: can governments deliver growth?

Andy Burnham @mayorofgm.bsky.social joins the Bennett School's @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social and @michaelkenny.bsky.social to discuss devolution and place-based policy and politics.

Today's programme includes a keynote from former Senior Ambassador to the EU João Vale de Almeida, and a conversation with @mayorofgm.bsky.social Andy Burnham. To attend any of the sessions online, go to the Bennett School of Public Policy website: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/conference

It was great to hear from @michaelkenny.bsky.social, who shared an update on the School’s expanding teaching programme, including a new MPhil in Digital Policy and an upcoming PhD programme. Read more: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/study/

Our second panel, chaired by @alturobov.bsky.social, with Antonio Weiss, Jessica Montgomery (@ai.cam.ac.uk) and Fay Skevington, turns to one of the most pressing questions for government today: how to deploy AI in public services responsibly and effectively.

Our first panel, chaired by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social features Ottoline Leyser, @ehsanmasood.bsky.social and Jennifer Rubin, examines the pressures facing evidence-based decision-making in today's contested environment.

We’re delighted to be at Churchill College for the 2026 Bennett School Annual Conference. With delegates joining us in person and online, today is about the defining policy challenges of our time: from AI in public services to the future of regional growth and global cooperation.

Philip Rycroft presented his independent review on foreign financial influence in UK politics to Parliament today. Tomorrow, he’ll discuss his findings & recommendations at the Bennett School of Public Policy Annual Conference at 17:15. Online spots still available: bit.ly/4daNHNA

Only 2 days to our Annual Conference 600+ delegates will join in person & online, plus an incredible speaker line-up. Highlights: ✨ João Vale de Almeida on new geo-strategic challenges 📈 Andy Burnham on Greater Manchester’s growth 💡 Sessions on AI, policymaking & the economy Tickets: bit.ly/3NA9qUT

What do we really mean by “growth” & why has it become both an economic goal & a source of unease? Sam Gilbert explores tensions between prosperity, inequality, & environmental limits, & sets out two paths for the future—degrowth & green growth—& the choices they force us to confront. bit.ly/3PoH5RY

Government wants to align England’s public institutions with new strategic authorities—but reforms in health & policing show competing pressures, as old ideas about the “right” scale of services still shape the local state—writes Mark Sandford, @houseofcommons.parliament.uk Library bit.ly/4suWpuI