Policy Impact

The University is engaged in policy research that develops cultural participation and engagement in communities and is a leader in the use of cultural data to develop evidence-based local and national cultural investment. The success and legacy of this work underpin the University’s reputation as a centre of excellence for cultural policy research and the measurement of social and cultural value.

Evidence Review: UK City of Culture Programme

Researchers from Warwick Business School were commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to undertake an evidence review of the UK City of Culture programme, ahead of the design and announcement of the next competition round. This research informed the decision to deliver a UK City of Culture 2029 competition.

Read about the evidence review

Joint Cultural Needs Assessment West Midlands

The Joint Cultural Needs Assessment (JCNA) Guidelines were developed by researchers at Warwick Business School (WBS) to support cultural investment within local authorities across England. In partnership with Culture Central, the WBS research team is leading the development of JCNAs in four West Midlands local authorities: Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Sandwell, and Worcester. The team is also providing support for similar work in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The JCNA process is designed to ensure that culture delivers meaningful, measurable benefits to local communities.

Culture shaping the future of major events

Building on Creating the Golden Thread: An Ambition for Major Events in the UK (2024), Warwick Business School and Spirit of 2012 have advanced its recommendations through extensive consultation and new evidence. A Major Events Summit was held in Liverpool bringing together over 70 leaders from sport, culture and business events. Co-convened by Claire McColgan CBE and Dave Moutrey OBE, the Summit explored how major events can deliver greater social impact and long-term place-based value. This work will continue into 2026.

Read the Connecting the golden thread report