RSA Measuring Inclusive Growth: The case for Sustainable Return on Investment

Join us at this special event in Liverpool, hosted by RSA Economy, Enterprise & Manufacturing Thematic Councillor, Eric Woodcock FRSA.

The RSA’s Inclusive Growth Commission has reviewed case studies in Cardiff, Bradford, and Newcastle [read them here] and concluded that there is an opportunity (post-Brexit) to consider three radical changes in the way Britain accounts for economic growth. These are:

• Devolved administrations should increase investment in the social as well as the physical infrastructure.
• Industrial strategies could be both inclusive and place-based.
• Success should be measured to include broader economic metrics such as quality gross value added (GVA) and wellbeing rather than just gross domestic product (GDP) and productivity.

Professor Erik Bichard FRSA and Phil Higham formed RealWorth (www.realworth.org) in 2016 to examine how to put a sensible price on social and environmental change. Their ultimate aim is to help create a future where everyone’s quality of life is improved because social and environmental effects are valued in every policy, investment, and development decision.

The policy agenda is moving fast and even the Chancellor referred to ‘inclusive growth’ in his Spring Budget. However, even if the Treasury implements an economic strategy based on inclusive growth of every British citizen, how would we know it was working? Should the new Liverpool City Region develop inclusive economy metrics following the creation of the metro mayor office?

This event will outline the research that went into the creation of the RealWorth approach: sustainable return on investment (SuROI). The session will illustrate the application of sustainable value with some of the recent projects.

The audience is also invited to bring along some of their own projects for some real-time valuations and to engage in a discussion about how we value the future of the region.

This event is free to attend. Please book a free ticket in advance.

If you have any questions, or to let us know of any access requirements or reasonable adjustments you have, please contact Eric Woodcock FRSA: eric.woodcock@gmail.com.

Location: The Hope Street Hotel, 40 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9DA.

The hotel is about 15 minutes walk from Lime Street and Central stations.  There are plenty of buses going up Hardman Street and street and off-street parking nearby.