iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/10/2026

Is ChatGPT bad for students? Affiliated researcher Sam Gilbert argues that policymakers should take the potential link between declining educational performance and the use of AI chatbots seriously. Read the blog: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/is-chat...

172

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/10/2026

Read the blog: The lost £15bn lessons for good growth in the regions: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/the-los...

000

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/10/2026

Caveat: the evidence is dated and regional, not local. Geoff calls for a joint performance framework with central government, devolved authorities and What Works Centres to update it and capture sub-regional variation. Devolved evaluation, with cross-area learning built in.

100

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/10/2026

Geoff's thought experiment on the PwC evidence: - business and cluster development look most cost-effective for jobs and GVA. - Land, science, public realm and tourism need careful appraisal. - Skills spend is cheap but returns are weaker. - Packages of demand and supply measures work best.

100

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/10/2026

New blog: England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) spent £15bn between 1999 and 2007. PwC found every £1 generated £4.50 in regional GVA. Then the RDAs were abolished in 2010 and the report virtually vanished. Geoff White says it's time to dig it out. 🧵

110

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 05/10/2026

Read their blog on what shapes AI adoption in UK professional services: insight from the survey: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/what-sh...

010

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 05/10/2026

A new survey of UK professional services firms found 2 in 5 already use AI, but nearly half say no government policy would change their plans. @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social, @alturobov.bsky.social & @ninajorden.bsky.social discuss the barriers to adopting AI & what's needed to overcome them. Link below ⬇️

283

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

094

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

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

010

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

110

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

100

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

100

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

100

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

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

191

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

110

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

110

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

110

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

110

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

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

100