Innovative approaches to regional equity

Social sciences, humanities and the arts must play a major role in creating community-led policy
Plymouth's Illuminate festival
In an era marked by geopolitical instability, pandemics, and economic crises, the need for resilience has never been greater. And while national resilience grabs the headlines, it is at community level where the greatest and most sustainable change is badly needed.
A New Statesman article asks what defines a resilient community and how does it thrive in the face of challenges?
Professor Katharine Willis, Professor of Smart Cities and Communities at the University of Plymouth depicts it as one that uses its unique cultural features to build capacity, foster cooperation and adapt to change.
It draws strength from its cohesion, diversity and social capital built on past experiences, and ideally does so against a backdrop of social equity. Equally, government bodies need to accept and acknowledge unique regional characteristics, strengths, and challenges and design effective policies addressing community needs that are responsive, inclusive and equitable. 
We have heard time and again the commitment to ‘level up’ and redress the historic regional inequalities that have left communities facing social exclusion and poor outcomes in terms of health, economic power, income, life expectancy, and educational attainment. Yet, while addressing these disparities has been deemed a national priority, interventions so far have had mixed results. Professor Willis explains:

The typical research methodologies used to inform policy often centre around traditional STEMM disciplines – science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. But these do not always apply in practice, and the specific needs of different communities cannot be addressed by a “one-size-fits-all” framework. Holistic, community-focused research should be added to the mix to provide a robust base for policymaking.

If you do research out of context, you don't necessarily address some of the challenges that you're seeking to fix, because you haven't worked directly with the communities in those places who are experiencing them.

Katharine WillisKatharine Willis
Professor of Smart Cities and Communities

Place-based research

Professor Willis is an advocate for place-based research methodology. An approach that emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing issues within the specific contexts of the communities affected. She adds:
“Actually working to address those challenges in place and in partnership with affected communities, means that you are able to deliver much more innovative and catalysing-type outcomes. You can create the change that we want to achieve.
This methodology also integrates insights from the SHAPE disciplines – social sciences, humanities, and the arts for people and the economy. The multi-faceted approach can include cultural and artistic productions, technological and digital tools, community projects, workshops, and public engagement activities. 
Grounding decisions in the unique lived experience and needs of local communities ensures that policies are relevant, effective and sustainable. Embedding a holistic approach to involve the SHAPE disciplines in the development process of policy is critical. 
Embracing the place-based approach will foster stronger, more resilient communities, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance and genuine public service.   
The full version of this article can be found in the latest issue of New Statesman and on the magazine’s website.

SHAPE disciplines address global challenges associated with marine, health and sustainability through the lens of place

Through five place-based research themes, we investigate the intricate relationships between communities, the natural world, and technology.
Locally, we co-create sustainable solutions to complex problems in order to build resilient and thriving neighbourhoods, cities, and regions. This work transcends geographical, social and political boundaries to become applicable on a global level.
Place-based research concept: crowd of people standing on a computer motherboard (full-bleed)