Making better
New Grosvenor professorship for Sauder Dean With the generous support of Grosvenor, the international land holding and investment firm, the study of what makes cities economically sustainable and successful will be the focus of a new professorship established at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. Dean Robert Helsley will now hold the title of Grosvenor Professor of Cities, Business Economics and Public Policy. The firm provided $630,000 to fund the new professorship for nine years. “GROSVENOR IS AN EXTREMELY thoughtful firm with a broad view of the foundations of their business. They devote significant resources to the study of cities and how their health and vitality is related to the business of real estate overall,” said Helsley. “Having their support for a professorship that so closely describes my interests as a researcher is a great honour.” Helsley’s research focuses on the fundamental economic foundations for urban growth and productivity. His work examines why businesses tend to cluster in cities and how this impacts entrepreneurship and innovation. He also explores the effect of economic growth on real estate markets, and the economics of urban sprawl, blight and redevelopment. “The world is increasingly urbanized, and with urbanization comes a whole host of positive and negative effects,” said Helsley about his area of study. 46
FALL/WINTER 2013 VIEWPOINTS
Left to right: Dean Robert Helsley, Andrew Bibby, Chief Executive, Grosvenor Americas, and Barbara Miles, UBC Vice-President, Development & Alumni Engagement
“I will be investigating how we can create more opportunities in cities through economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship, while also addressing what can be done to make cities more sustainable and liveable.” Helsley’s research into the economic factors stimulating growth and migration
will have international applications. In particular, he notes that his research may aid in looking at the rapid pace of urbanization in emerging markets and whether the new mega cities that are arising in China and other countries are sustainable. “Grosvenor’s decision-making about