DoIP PhD Spotlight: Run Zhao

What is your research about?

With the development of post-industrialization, cities around the world are gradually transforming into creative cities. The current creative city model is used to varying degrees as an urban renewal strategy in both developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, socioeconomic inequality, social elitism, gentrification, spatial exclusion, and the displacement of middle- and lower-class residents are becoming more and more evident in creative cities. My research therefore focuses on already existing creative cities in China and Europe, examining their readiness to transform into creative cities and investigating their inclusiveness, thus complementing urban planning and cultural policies in multiple dimensions.

What are your expectations for your PhD?

I am hoping to bridge the gap between creative cities and inclusive prosperity by doing an in-depth exploration of what a creative city is and how it relates to inclusiveness. I also want to expand my research perspective from Chinese cities to other countries to gain a better understanding of how this topic is approached by scholars coming from different backgrounds and different schools, what methods they are using and what impact their work has.

In what way is your research project contributing to inclusive prosperity?

I am approaching the topic of inclusive prosperity from two angles. The first one is geographical: by comparing both Chinese and European cities I am aiming to expand the scope of research for inclusive prosperity. I also hope to widen the scope and to create a new point for access for inclusive prosperity by focusing on the inclusive governance of creative cities.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I am hoping to continue with other research projects in the future and focus on studying how urban policy and the adoption of related concepts will affect people’s lives. I am especially interested in focusing on the costs and benefits of urban management, but also want to focus on the urban sphere itself. Another interest of mine I want to pursue in the future is the network of public-private partnerships acting as mediators between national government, cities, residents and businesses.