Alliance Manchester Business School is delighted to announce that Professor Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair in Urban and Regional Economics and a leading member of The Productivity Institute, has been awarded the Walter Isard Award for Scholarly Achievement.
This accolade is recognised internationally as one of the most distinguished honours in the field of regional science and represents a major milestone in a career dedicated to advancing understanding of the economic forces that shape places and regions.
Presented annually by the North American Regional Science Council (NARSC), the Walter Isard Award celebrates individuals who have delivered sustained and influential contributions to regional science through their research, theoretical developments and methodological innovation. Named after the founder of regional science, the award acknowledges lifetime achievement and the lasting impact of a scholar’s work on the discipline. It is widely regarded as the highest North American award in regional and spatial economics.
Professor McCann’s selection places him among a small and elite group of global scholars. Since the award’s inception in 1994, only six recipients have been based outside North America, highlighting the exceptional nature of this recognition. His influential research has shaped policy debates across the UK, Europe and internationally, and his work is regularly drawn upon by governments, city-regions, and organisations seeking to better understand productivity, regional disparities and the dynamics of innovation and economic geography.
Across his career, Professor McCann has made pioneering contributions to the study of regional economic development, particularly in relation to productivity differences between places, the role of innovation systems, and the long-term evolution of regional economies. His insights have been instrumental in informing public policy, including the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, and he is widely known for his ability to bridge rigorous academic research with real-world economic challenges. His work with The Productivity Institute has further strengthened this connection, helping to translate cutting-edge research into practical recommendations for business leaders, policymakers and civic institutions.
Philip’s commitment to building a deeper understanding of how regions grow and adapt is reflected not only in his extensive publication record, but also in his long-standing engagement with partners and stakeholders around the world.
The School extends its warmest congratulations to Professor McCann on this outstanding achievement. His recognition with the Walter Isard Award reinforces the global impact of his scholarship and underscores AMBS’s commitment to advancing research that makes a meaningful difference to society and the economy.