iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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

0136

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!

010

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/

069

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

011

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...

020

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

bit.ly

Unpaid Work in the AI Age

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

064

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

021

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.

101

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

084

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

001

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

001

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.

022

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

030

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

014

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

001

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

022

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.

041

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

000

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

01816

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

144

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

111

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

1143

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

081

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

032

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-...

023

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. ⬇️

010

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

010

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

020

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

113

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

110

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

000

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.

085

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

shorturl.at

London Calling? The Mayor of London at 25

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

000

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

046

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

022

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?...

100

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 17/06/2026

It’s Men’s Health Week. Dr Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros explores how walking groups, workshops & peer networks help men connect. He asks where these supports exist, where the gaps are, & how policy can strengthen them without losing the trust that makes them work. Read more: shorturl.at/QCV5n

000

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 16/06/2026

From crisis management to place building: reimagining local government New blog by Helen Paterson, CEO of Northumberland County Council, says it's easy for the national conversation to focus solely on crisis management but councils are much more than providers of statutory services shorturl.at/Yi9mb

000

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 16/06/2026

Join us for this year's Reynolds Lecture - "Nature, people and place: the mess we're in and a possible pathway out" - delivered by Dame Fiona Reynolds. 📅 Wednesday 8 July 2026 🕠 17:30 - 18:30 📍 Emmanuel College, St Andrew's St, Cambridge CB2 3AP 🎟️ Free – booking required: shorturl.at/8h7pE

011

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/06/2026

What can a by-election really tell us? In a new piece for The Constitution Society, Mark Bennister, Bennett School Affiliated Researcher, explores the unusually high-stakes of the Makerfield by-election & why it has attracted such intense national attention. consoc.org.uk/markerfield-...

consoc.org.uk

The High-Stakes and Rather Unusual Makerfield By-Election - The Constitution Society

Mark Bennister looks at the Makerfield by-election and considers the significance of this and previous by-elections.

000

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/06/2026

As councils face rising demand and financial pressure, their unique democratic legitimacy, local reach, & power to shape places can be overlooked. Dr Helen Paterson, Chief Exec at Northumberland County Council, shares what collective action can achieve. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/time-to...

000

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 13/06/2026

In today’s @lavanguardia.com newspaper, Bennett School researcher, @terzibus.bsky.social, warns that SpaceX’s dominance of space infrastructure is creating government dependence—and may soon be too entrenched to regulate easily. Read the article: www.lavanguardia.com/economia/202...

lavanguardia.com

Un estudio de Cambridge advierte que el monopolio de SpaceX erosiona la soberanía de los estados

La firma de Elon Musk es responsable del lanzamiento de casi el 80% de toda la carga útil que la humanidad ha enviado al espacio

085

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 12/06/2026

Join Kate Sargent, Chief Data Officer for the @financialtimes.com, as she reflects on her career leading data transformation across some of the UK's most recognised brands. 📅 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 🕞 15:30 – 16:30 📍 The Glasshouse, Innovate Cambridge, CB2 1LQ 🎟️ Register: www.c2d3.cam.ac.uk/events/caree...

012

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 11/06/2026

New blog, by Christina Beatty, @cwarnock.bsky.social, Peter Tyler, & Geoff White, says addressing spatially concentrated economic inactivity is an economic necessity. Govt should combine demand & supply-side measures to increase job opportunities in designated Inclusive Growth Areas. bit.ly/4xdBnnf

011

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 10/06/2026

Echoing the recent Milburn Report, a new blog argues that tackling regional economic inactivity means not only improving skills support, but creating hundreds of thousands of quality jobs in the places where inactivity is highest, backed by targeted Inclusive Growth Areas. Read: bit.ly/4xdBnnf

001

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 09/06/2026

Featured in @thetimes.com today: new research led by @terzibus.bsky.social argues that SpaceX's hold over orbit is comparable to the East India Company's dominance of global maritime trade, and warns of unchecked corporate power in the space sector. lnkd.in/eQymXbcE

032

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/06/2026

Is SpaceX the New East India Company? @terzibus.bsky.social & Stefano Marcuzzi write for @projectsyndicate.bsky.social about their latest research comparing the space company SpaceX to the East India Company - the most powerful corporation in history... until now! Read: bit.ly/43iqO4L

bit.ly

SpaceX Is the New East India Company

Alessio Terzi & Stefano Marcuzzi consider lessons from the three-century era when corporate monopolies operated beyond the reach of sovereigns.

031

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/06/2026

Is AI observable in the UK productivity statistics? The effects of AI are starting to be visible in the UK productivity statistics with the rise of data centres, @thomasaubreycca.bsky.social argues. But given AI’s inexorable demand for electricity, to what extent is this sustainable? bit.ly/4eagsc2

012