Place-summit
A place-summit was held at the University of Southampton on the 12th of June 2023. The event was introduced by Jane Falkingham who shared the University’s vision for the civic agenda and the importance of place-based research. This was followed by a talk from Will Jennings, who introduced the Centre for the South and its potential for enhancing links between the University and external policy stakeholders.
The summit was an opportunity for researchers to network, form new interdisciplinary collaborations, and to hear about relevant funding initiatives. Twenty-four people attended from across all faculties, who all gave a short introduction about their research interests in relation to place. This was followed by discussions in groups which rotated around the four place-based priorities, where academics explored the challenges and priorities on each theme.
Economy
The main discussion points revolved around struggling high streets, the challenge to retain skilled graduates, and a lack of regional identity. The participants felt that a cohesive, long-term vision for the region is needed, alongside a need for more local data. People felt strongly that economic growth should be sustainable and ethical.
Community
The conversation began with discussions around co-creation and involving communities in the University’s work – resources and best practices need to be shared; knowledge needs to be consolidated; and efforts need to be acknowledged and rewarded. The participants also considered whose voices are at the table and asked how intersectionality can be improved and how can isolation be mitigated. People questioned whether projects are people-centred and if the correct social infrastructure is in place to carry them out – what interventions are appropriate and in what context?
Questions also revolved around what makes a community strong and how a sense of identity can be fostered, alongside more practical wants for assessing behavioural change, joined-up mapping, and having a better understanding of the third sector landscape – what do these communities really need?
Health
The groups identified several priorities which centred on stark inequalities, poor mental health, child poverty, air pollution, the impact of climate change, and the need for a healthy workforce. Participants then explored the barriers to progress: silos and sectors which aren’t joined up, and an acute lack of resources and access to (NHS) data. On the other hand, there are several opportunities, such as integrating health and education as a component of all policies and as central to solutions; empowering communities and bolstering cultural resources and activities across all beliefs and values; or bolstering active travel.
Environment
Participants noted that the transition to net zero is a serious challenge considering the significant carbon emitters in the region (e.g. airport, seaport, oil refinery), while also recognising the considerable air, light, and noise pollution that comes with it. Further, the region is lacking a skilled net zero workforce – how can businesses be supported to transition and thrive? What is the role of the arts and culture in the climate crisis?
People also identified that access to green and blue spaces is very limited, for some communities much more than others. Food is another significant problem, vast quantities are wasted, and very little food is sourced locally or produced sustainably. Other place-based discussions revolved around the different geographic scales involved: from hyper-local to regional contexts. Are 15-minute cities possible? What can we learn from transition towns or active travel zones? How can we learn from the successes of the micro and scale them across the macro?