Abstract

Six English cities were designated by the UK Government as science cities in 2004 and 2005, with the intention that local consortia develop strategies for the realisation of this vision. Previous definitions of science cities are explored to show how the concept has evolved over time, with the English initiative placed within a global context to show how it adapts previous models to the specific needs of the UK and fits with academic debates on the local governance of science and the role of innovation in urban and regional development. The six cases are briefly examined as to their aims and the nature of their governance and approach and potential benefits of the initiative are outlined to show how it may contribute to a new perspective on the role of cities in science and economic development in the UK.