In this episode of Placecast, Nicola Headlam speaks with Des McNulty about the evolving relationship between academia and policymaking, particularly through the lens of place-based leadership. They explore how universities can act as hubs of knowledge and collaboration, contributing to local and regional development by aligning research with real-world policy needs. Des reflects on his experience in Scottish politics and academia, emphasising the importance of natural economic units, the role of city regions, and the need for sustainable partnerships. The conversation highlights the value of accumulated expertise, the challenges of institutional structures, and the potential of place-focused strategies to drive meaningful change across the UK.

PlaceCast is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub production based at City-REDI, University of Birmingham. Our new podcast is essential listening for those keen to explore the ins and outs of knowledge mobilisation for influence in central and local government, based on the view that it’s only through animating the power of place-based leadership that the wicked problems of 2025 can become more manageable.

Des McNulty was the Assistant Vice-Principal, Economic Development and Civic Engagement at the University of Glasgow from 2016 to 2021. Des was responsible for developing links between policy makers and researchers, as well as other forms of collaboration between the university and the city, devolved and national governments. He is currently Vice Chair of UPEN (International and Civic Engagement) and Vice Chair of the Glasgow Commission for Economic Growth, which provides strategic advice on economic matters to eight local authorities (elected Councils) in the Greater Glasgow conurbation that have participated in the Glasgow City Region City Deal. Between 1999 and 2011, Des McNulty was an elected member of the Scottish Parliament, where he served in roles including Minister for Communities and Social Justice, shadow spokesperson on Education and Chair of the Parliament’s Finance Committee.

Dr Nicola Headlam has more than 20 years of experience working within all aspects of the multi-helix innovation system; central and local government, civil society and campaigning, academic research and knowledge mobilisation and in industry. Along the way, she has honed expertise in urban and regional subnational economic development, the roles of government in making and shaping place, and in data and evidence for transformation.

In 2024, she became a freelance economic advisor on the role of leadership and partnerships, urban and living lab forms for research, future of cities and foresighting methods, urban transformations, place-branding and urban regeneration and the spatial consequences of public policy.

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