The Studio Schools Annual Conference in Southampton was a good showcase of a rapidly scaling innovation. 16 studio schools are now open, 32 will be open by this time next year and at least as many again are preparing detailed plans.
I did a lecture last night in York University on evidence and knowing yourself.
Last month I attended a session in New York, exploring the links between the performing arts and urban design. The session was led by Richard Sennett and Saskia Sassen as part of urban forum Theatrum Mundi/Global Street.
It was good to see the Economist exploring the idea of public involvement in innovation, with its recent piece on crowdfunding science. But this doesn't go far enough.
Nesta's Impact Investment fund went live this week, backed by Nesta's own capital as well as Big Society Capital and Omidyar.
I spent a few days in Korea and China last week, both countries with a distinct spring in their step compared to north America and Europe.
People often think that the upper reaches of government are glamorous - the sort of world portrayed in Spooks and The West Wing. This amazing video which shows it more like The Thick of It is also one of the best short introductions to modern geopolitics:
There's a lot happening this autumn around evidence, with the Alliance for Useful Evidence moving into full operation, and a likely spread of 'evidence centres' around government. The UK position is a lot more promising than it looked likely a year or two ago. By contrast the US presidential election is not particularly heart-warming for those who believe in facts and evidence.
The autumn began with the very welcome news that Nesta had made a substantial profit through the sale of Sirigen - another hit for our venture investments team, which is steadily growing its role.
The past week has been a showcase of British Olympic ambition, not just on the track, field and water, but also in the opening ceremony.
![Twitter icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/Twitter-button_34x35.jpg "Twitter icon [original]"){kind=small}
Follow our daily updates on Twitter @nesta_uk
![Linked in icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/LinkedIn_button_34x35.jpg "Linked in icon [original]"){kind=small}
Take part in the discussion on our LinkedIn group
![Facebook icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/facebook.jpg "Facebook icon [original]"){kind=small}
Share your views on our Facebook page
Sign up for our regular updates for the latest news and opportunities.
T +44 (0)20 7438 2500
F +44 (0)20 7438 2501
Nesta Operating Company, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7706036 and charity number 1144091. Registered as a charity in Scotland number SC042833.
