Briefs
The Green Knowledge EconomyThis Brief outlines a new model for sustainable economic development that integrates two paradigms – the Knowledge Economy and the Green Economy. We refer to this model as the “Green Knowledge Economy” (GKE). The GKE model reflects emerging UK and EU policy trends. The Coalition Government is committed to building ‘a low carbon and eco-friendly economy’ – a Green Economy. The goal of the EU 2020 Strategy is to make Europe ‘a competitive and greener knowledge-based economy’. These long-term policy directions are evident in North America and other regions of the world. Within countries, cities and regions are actively planning ahead for ‘carbon-free prosperity’, and marketing themselves to investors and citizens as ‘green cities’, ‘eco-towns’ and ‘low-carbon economic areas’. The first areas of the UK to adopt the GKE framework for economic development are: the Sub-Region of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (where a Multi Area Agreement is in place) and Taunton, the county town of Somerset. Both of these areas are located in the South West of England. The GKE concept refers to the ‘greening’ of the existing economy through product and process innovations that are used to tackle climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency and conserve ecosystems and biodiversity. Given the consensus definition of our existing economy as a Knowledge Economy (wealth creation is driven by investments in intangible capital), I coined the term ‘green knowledge economy’ to reflect the new policy directions mentioned above. We hope this Brief will stimulate widespread interest in the GKE model of economic development. To download the pdf version of the report, please submit your full name and email address.
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Latest News
The third issue of Geoeconomics Briefs can now be downloaded from the website. This Brief outlines a new model for sustainable economic development that integrates two paradigms – the Knowledge Economy and the Green Economy. We refer to this model as the “Green Knowledge Economy” (GKE). You can download the Brief here. Green Knowledge Economy Action Plan for Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole MAA Partnership presented to DCLG. Mark Hepworth presentation described as a ‘tour de force’. The MAA Board has now formally adopted the Green Knowledge Economy framework and programmes for its sub-regional strategy. Bournemouth University to launch its new Centre for the Green Knowledge Economy based on Geoeconomics’ report for the MAA in April 2010. Mark Hepworth has been appointed a Visiting Professor at the new Centre and will work with the BU team to develop the GKE paradigm as a framework for technological, organisational and social innovation. Sarah Forster is working with CGAP to develop a guide on how microfinance donors and investors can support savings mobilization. Savings is the most neglected financial service available to the poor. The guide is expected to be a useful tool in helping expand poor people's access to savings services. Taunton’s draft economic development strategy based on the Green Knowledge Economy paradigm was completed in January. This is the UK’s first local economic development strategy which applies the GKE “green and grow” framework. Geoeconomics worked in partnership with Taunton’s economic development team led by Philip Sharratt. Berkshire Economic Strategy Board has commissioned Geoeconomics to refresh its vision for Britain’s leading sub-regional economy outside London. Mark Hepworth is interviewing business leaders and policy makers from across Berkshire and its six local authorities to create a new vision and recommend future strategic directions. Geoeconomics will prepare a local economic assessment for the London Borough of Bexley. The assessment will follow DCLG Guidance and provide an opportunity for Bexley to create a powerful evidence base for its economic development activity, in the context of the Mayor’s new spatial and economic development strategies for Outer London and the Thames Gateway. All past Geoeconomics news items can be found in our news archive
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