The project works in partnership with a range of cities and organizations active in developing innovative approaches to city policy. Involvement in the project provides an opportunity for cities to establish a competitive advantage for themselves and attract creative talent, which contributes to their future economic growth.

Partners within private and public organisations and with European cities in the UK, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia are involved in the project, which will continue until the end of 2011.

Breakthrough cities is a groundbreaking report on how cities can mobilise creativity and knowledge to tackle compelling social challenges. The report was commissioned by the British Council from the Young Foundation. Geoff Mulgan and Charles Leadbeater, established international experts in social innovation and creativity, are major contributors. The Breakthrough cities report is a unique resource for anyone working in the field of city policy - policy makers, consultants, public employees, workers in the arts or education sectors, NGOs, or simply private individuals committed to improving city lives. It provides inspiring ideas, understanding and guidance that can help make cities better places to live in.

The report was written following research carried out by the Young Foundation to develop the Urban Ideas Bakery concept as part of the British Council's Creative Cities project. The Creative Cities project is currently active in Russia and fourteen countries across North and Central Europe. The main body of the report was written by the Young Foundation. To this, the British Council has added examples from people and places in this region demonstrating the social innovation and creativity in action in the countries participating in Creative Cities. We hope that these will provide inspiration to urban influencers, wherever you are.

You can download the report here