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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/09/2026

🆕 When AI can draft a briefing in seconds, what are policy schools for? @ninajorden.bsky.social, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, @michaelkenny.bsky.social & @terzibus.bsky.social explain why knowledge, judgement & human relationships matter even more in this age of AI. 🔗 bit.ly/4dbSJbR

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 22/09/2026

We're delighted to welcome Mary MacLennan to the Bennett School as an Affiliated Researcher. Mary is a behavioural scientist working at the intersection of behavioural science, AI & public policy—driving behavioural science integration across the UN. Watch this space for her insights & expertise!

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 21/09/2026

📢 We’re hiring We're looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to join a research project exploring the relationship between wellbeing & productivity at work, in a Cambridge University-wide partnership with KPMG. Apply by 8 October 2026: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/57112/

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 18/09/2026

🆕 Beyond the market: What AI tells us about productivity in the household @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, Mihai Codreanu & Arthur Turrell explore how AI is changing household activity—& why measuring productivity means looking beyond the market economy to what happens at home. 🔗https://bit.ly/4dDLmKj

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/09/2026

🤖💡 New thought piece: Where are the AI productivity gains? 📈 Outside software development, the evidence that AI is improving productivity remains thin. The barriers are less technical than organisational, argues Affiliated Researcher Sam Gilbert. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/ai-prod...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 10/09/2026

What if AI’s biggest productivity gains happen outside paid work? @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social explores how AI could transform unpaid household work, save us time & money, & challenge how we measure productivity. Read her latest piece in @projectsyndicate.bsky.social bit.ly/4A1HI6I

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Unpaid Work in the AI Age

Diane Coyle highlights an under-appreciated benefit of the technology: escaping the household administrative slog.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/09/2026

📢🎙️New podcast: How does culture shape us? Richard Westcott talks to Prof Tim Whitmarsh & Cammie Curtin about how culture shapes our identities, behaviour & relationships – from the ancient Greek & Roman worlds to the societies we live in today. 🎧Listen on your favourite platform: pod.fo/e/5e32c8

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 28/08/2026

New research by @terzibus.bsky.social & Francesco Nicoli published in @pnasnexus.org shows the cost of launching cargo into space is now falling faster than steamship freight did during the 19th-century transport revolution, & even faster than solar photovoltaics.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 21/08/2026

How is the way we connect changing in a world increasingly shaped by online communities & algorithms? @profsanderlinden.bsky.social & Marion Hoffman explore how digital spaces influence social cues, opinions, trust, decision-making & the way we understand each other. 🎧https://pod.fo/e/4ec503

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 20/08/2026

🚨The Cambridge Phenomenon—what can we learn about the role of institutions & infrastructure? Dr Julia Wdowin traces some of the historical developments behind the Cambridge phenomenon & what it can teach policymakers about enabling sustainable, place-based growth across the UK. tinyurl.com/46shdwbu

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 17/08/2026

Important point by @ojgarling.bsky.social Local government reorganisation offers an opportunity to rethink how we ensure people have access to essential infrastructure & services needed to thrive. Universal Basic Infrastructure (UBI) provides a valuable framework for this. 🔗https://bit.ly/3U2p527

lnkd.in

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

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Reposted by Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge

Owen Garling @ojgarling.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The 'missing middle' - or how to fill the gap at the regional scale. Nice piece for our @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk blog series from @jacktshaw.bsky.social.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 12/08/2026

Today’s environmental, economic & social challenges share the same root cause: fragmented policymaking. In the concluding Reynolds Lecture, Dame Fiona Reynolds made the case for putting nature, beauty & belonging at the heart of public policy. Read the write-up & watch the recording bit.ly/4fTkrMh

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/08/2026

Excellent summary of new report by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social @profdaverichards.bsky.social @samwarner.bsky.social & Martin Smith on how the UK’s public spending system is no longer fit for purpose—making it harder to improve public services, invest strategically & secure long-term value for money

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/08/2026

The AI race isn't just about the US & China. New #AIxGeo research from Dr Siyi Liu is exploring how middle powers like the UK & South Korea can build influence through trusted partnerships, not AI self-sufficiency. Read the blog: bit.ly/4g0FcVe

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 04/08/2026

📢 New research identifies five fundamental problems with the UK's public spending system: short-term budgeting, fragmented governance, blurred accountability, weak incentives for long-term investment, and a gap between evidence and political decision-making. Read the report: bit.ly/4g9xgSB

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/08/2026

We're delighted to welcome Elise Antoine as an Assistant Professor to the Bennett School where she'll teach on our MPhil in Public Policy. Elise's research examines how politics shape the governance of new technologies, & how those technologies reshape policy processes.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/08/2026

The UK's public spending system is no longer fit for the challenges of the 21st century New research shows the UK's public spending system remains focused on short-term control, compliance & annual budgeting, despite the complex realities of modern governance & public service delivery bit.ly/4xbMAny

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 30/07/2026

New research by top economists reveals the UK's spending system is no longer fit for the way public services are delivered today. Fundamental reform is needed to create a spending system that supports long-term investment, better public services and stronger outcomes. Report: bit.ly/4pMQ7WM

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

Monopolies and geopolitical friction could still stall this new space age. 📖 Read the study: academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/5/7/pgag217/8732400 📰 Cambridge coverage: cam.ac.uk/stories/space-cargo-costs-set-to-plummet 🗞️The Times coverage: www.thetimes.com/business/tec... 6/6

academic.oup.com

From Sputnik to Starship: Estimating the experience curve of space launch technology

Abstract. Space launch costs have fallen dramatically over the past six decades, opening new economic and scientific frontiers. Yet precise, long-term esti

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

But there are massive policy risks. SpaceX currently accounts for ~80% of annual orbital payload. Dr. Terzi’s research compares this frontier market dominance to the East India Company's heavy hold on global maritime trade back in the 1820s. ⚖️ 5/6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

What does this buy us? The space economy is already worth $600 billion and will double by 2030. Lower costs could unlock orbital solar power, zero-g organ printing, asteroid mining, and even offshoring polluting industries out of Earth’s atmosphere. 🌍✨ 4/6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

Historically, state competition didn't foster cost efficiency. Once the Cold War ended and private players stepped in, costs fell 2.5x faster. Today, every doubling of cumulative payload cuts average costs by 21.2%—a steeper decline than almost any major historical transport boom. 3/6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

The stats: Sending 1kg of cargo into Low Earth Orbit cost an average of $3,868 last year. But costs are set to more than halve by 2030 ($1,569/kg) and could plummet 93% to just $273/kg by 2040. 📉 The economic landscape of space is completely shifting. 2/6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/07/2026

Is space trade the next global transport revolution? 🚀 New research led by @terzibus.bsky.social shows that the cost of reaching orbit is falling faster than steamship freight did in the 19th century. Here is why space is the new frontier for economists. 👇 1/6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

Earlier this year, Andy Burnham sat down with Bennett School co-directors @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social and @michaelkenny.bsky.social to discuss the future of British politics. Revisit the conversation and read our latest analysis here 👇 6/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

3/ Social Infrastructure & Pride in Place 🌳 Analysing the tools required to measure, fund, and protect shared cultural spaces that drive regeneration and support a "preventative state". 5/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

2/ Good Growth & Infrastructure 🛠️ Focusing on how infrastructure enables fair growth, and exploring Universal Basic Infrastructure (UBI) to eliminate regional "postcode lotteries". 4/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

1/ Devolution & Inter-Governmental Relations 🏛️ Evaluating the Council of the Nations & Regions, and mapping the machinery needed to deliver "sweeping devolution by default" away from Whitehall. 3/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

Over the parliamentary summer recess, we’ll be sharing a series of research outputs, policy analyses, and evidence-based recommendations that speak directly to three emerging themes of a Burnham-led administration. 2/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

We are on the cusp of Andy Burnham being appointed as the seventh UK Prime Minister since the 2016 Brexit vote. As the national conversation turns toward his upcoming policy agenda, the team at the @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk is highlighting key insights from our ongoing work. 🧵 1/7

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 09/07/2026

Last night, we welcomed Dame Fiona Reynolds for the final Reynolds Lecture, challenging us to place nature, people & place at the heart of governance. She reflected on how 'beauty' is fundamental to human wellbeing, good public policy, & a sustainable future. View the photos: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYKPm

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/07/2026

How can governments make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain world? In a new blog, Geoff White argues that decades of centralisation have limited the UK's ability to learn & adapt. Could "devolution plus"—championed by Andy Burnham— create a more resilient state? shorturl.at/fNwBL

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/07/2026

🎙️ New Crossing Channels podcast: What's behind the rise of populism? Richard Westcott chats with @d-luca.bsky.social (@cam.ac.uk) & Laurenz Guenther (@tse-fr.eu) about how place, inequality, and everyday lived experiences shape political attitudes. 🎧 Listen: shorturl.at/77gHX

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 06/07/2026

Beyond the AI arms race: the cooperation we’re missing In a new anthology of essays offering an alternative narrative to the AI arms race, @alturobov.bsky.social explores why cooperation—not just competition—is shaping the future of global AI governance. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/beyond-...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 02/07/2026

A fine example of the Bennett School's @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social advising government and making an impact. ⬇️

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 02/07/2026

In our new AIxGEO essay anthology on Reimagining the Arms Race, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social writes: "Treating AI as an Arms Race frames the technology as a zero-sum geopolitical contest rather than recognising its potential as a broad-based driver of economic growth." Read essay: shorturl.at/hMo55

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

Join us for the last in the Annual Reynolds Lecture Series as Fiona Reynolds presents on "Nature, people and place: the mess we’re in and a possible pathway out". 📅 Wednesday 7 July 2026 🕠 17:30–18:45 followed by drinks 📍 Emmanuel College, Cambridge CB2 3AP 🎟️ Register: shorturl.at/d1aoo

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

Framing AI as a US–China arms race isn't just wrong—it's dangerous. Our new anthology, Reimagining the AI Arms Race, features 10 essays by policymakers, academics & public intellectuals, incl. @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social & @alturobov.bsky.social exploring alternative ways. 👉https://shorturl.at/GR6yO

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 30/06/2026

At the Conference, Burnham argued that 4 decades of centralisation have weakened the link between economic growth & public wellbeing. His vision is for a devolved England, drawing on Greater Manchester's model of bottom-up devolution, with greater public control over the foundations of growth. 2/3

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 30/06/2026

In a recent article for @thetimes.com, columnist Emma Duncan reports that Andy Burnham's team is developing proposals to devolve power from Whitehall, building on ideas he outlined at the Bennett School of Public Policy's Annual Conference in March 2026. 🧵1/3

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/06/2026

The Bennett School has launched a new Advisory Board to help steer its research & teaching programmes. Bringing together experts from academia, businesses & government from across the World, the new Advisory Board will inform the growth and direction of the School. Full story: shorturl.at/xDcTJ

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/06/2026

Today, we publish a new anthology of essays on 'Reimagining the AI Arms Race'. Contributing thought leaders challenge the idea that AI is a race between superpowers, examine what this narrative obscures, and asks whether there's another way of working - such as collaboration. Read: shorturl.at/3P75t

bennettschool.cam.ac.uk

Reimagining the AI Arms Race - Bennett School of Public Policy

This essay anthology brings together visionary thinkers, policymakers, and experts to challenge the narrative of AI as a zero-sum competition.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 24/06/2026

Blog: The Mayor of London at 25 Affiliated Researcher Mark Bennister et al. make the case in @projectsyndicate.bsky.social that the Mayor of London has been broadly successful over its 25-year existence, combining strong electoral legitimacy with relatively limited formal powers. shorturl.at/JzbXT

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London Calling? The Mayor of London at 25

As the London mayoralty passes its twenty-five-year anniversary, has it been a success?

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 23/06/2026

New research by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, Jun Du & Xiaocan Yuan highlights how Manchester’s strong productivity growth has been fuelled by attracting high-value foreign investment & channelling it into knowledge-intensive sectors such as digital, R&D & professional services. shorturl.at/rT3SM

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Reposted by Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge

Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge @csap.cam.ac.uk · 17/06/2026

Join us for this year’s Reynolds Lecture: “Nature, people and place: the mess we’re in and a possible pathway out” with Dame Fiona Reynolds. 📅 8 July 2026 🕠 17:30–18:30 & reception 📍 Emmanuel College, Cambridge 🎟️ Register: shorturl.at/x865O Hosted with @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk and Emmanuel College

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 22/06/2026

Following Andy Burnham's appearance at the Bennett School's Annual Conference, @drbethkitson.bsky.social & @ojgarling.bsky.social analyse how his record in Greater Manchester offers a potential blueprint for governing the UK. Read the blog: youtu.be/f8pVBUAp89M?...

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