The toolkit is part of an OECD-Bloomberg Philanthropies project that supports city governments to identify, assess, adapt and implement policy innovations developed elsewhere. Professor Temenos was invited to contribute to a high-level workshop on “Adopting Ideas from Other Cities” at the OECD headquarters in Paris, bringing academic insight into how ideas, policies and practices travel between urban contexts.

Drawing on research in policy mobilities, urban governance and policy learning, her contribution helped shape discussions about how cities can make informed, place-based and context-sensitive decisions when adopting ideas from elsewhere. This included considering the conditions that support effective policy learning, how to assess whether an idea is suitable for a new setting, and the practical challenges involved in adapting and sustaining adopted policies.

Professor Temenos’ involvement highlights the international relevance of Geography research at �εδ���app and the value of critical urban scholarship for organisations working with city governments. Her contribution to the toolkit helped inform a practical resource designed to encourage more reflective and context-aware approaches to urban policy adoption.

Interested in presenting your work at The Digital Environment Conference 2026, hosted at SISTER on 1st April 2026? We are looking for individuals to present their research in 15 minute speakers slots, or present their work on a poster board at the event.

Please email Jade at digitalfutures@manchester.ac.uk with your presentation and/ or poster title, and topic or area of research. 

Please note that the open call for presentation or poster submissions deadline is Friday 27th February 2026.

On Friday 16 March, the Greater �εδ���app Ageing Hub launched an ambitious strategy to deliver on Mayor Andy Burnham’s manifesto commitment to make Greater �εδ���app a better place to grow older. This covers neighbourhoods and communities, housing, older workers, health and social care, transport, culture, physical activity and a positive change in the way older people are viewed.

Sport England is investing £1M to get over 55s more active in their communities, socially and physically – especially those who have been previously inactive. Greater �εδ���app is holding a Festival of Ageing from 2-15 July 2018, celebrating older people and portraying a positive view of ageing.

Together we will:

• establish age-friendly communities across Greater �εδ���app, promoting volunteering and bringing generations together;
• become a world leader in research and innovation for an ageing society;
• support more people to be physically active as they age;
• campaign for positive change in the way older people are viewed.

More information: