Andy Burnham recently acknowledged that UK universities are capable of driving innovation and economic growth. But their ability to do so is being undermined by a higher education funding crisis. Manchesterism, with its emphasis on local economy and anchor institutions, is well-placed to provide the polices that , can best support universities in boosting their local - and the national - economy, argues Aadya Bahl.

---

14 July 2026

---

LSE British politics

---

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/burnhams-manchesterism-can-help-universities-drive-local-growth/

This Blog is published under the centre's Urban programme, Neighbourhoods programme, Education programme.

This publication comes under the following theme: Higher education, What determines urban growth and urban decline and what should be the role of policy?