Research Report

In a new analysis of the growing trend towards collaboration among the UK's cities, The Work Foundation warns that having too many collaboration programmes may be counterproductive. While there is a strong theoretical case for cities to work with each other and with other organisations on some economic development issues - and some practical examples of success - goals need to be firmly set, priorities managed and the right leadership structures put in place. Collaboration has become such a popular solution to so many different policy challenges that it risks becoming seen as an end in itself rather than a means for delivering better economic outcomes, the report argues.