Biscuits to Big Tech: Reading’s rise to economic prosperity

University Public Lecture Series

Professor Kathy Pain (Real Estate and Planning): Biscuits to Big Tech: Reading’s rise to economic prosperity

Reading was once a sleepy county town famed for its ‘beer, biscuits and bulbs’ but today it is a hub for high-tech industry with international links. How did it get that way and how can we make sure its economic success continues?

In this lecture, Professor Kathy Pain will explore the town’s rise to prosperity and the future sustainability problems facing densely developed urban regions like Reading. She will draw on her research which shows how investing in so-called ‘good density’ – well-designed and compact cities with affordable public transport; available jobs and talent; and ‘green and blue infrastructure’ such as hedgerows and waterways – could help secure Reading’s future success in a changing economic landscape.

Kathy Pain is Professor of Real Estate Development at the University of Reading, Henley Business School. Her research focuses on sustainable city and regional development, governance and planning in today’s interconnected world economy.

Admission free. Booking advisable.