Event

The London conference 2026 | Where next for London’s economy?

This event hosted by UK think tank the Centre for London discusses whether London can deliver economic growth while ensuring fairness for every community.

London’s economy is changing.  Innovation, investment patterns,  and inequality are reshaping the capital.  New technologies create opportunities but also disruptions. Investment drives growth, yet its benefits are not always felt equally across communities.  

As policymakers increasingly focus on devolved decision-making and place-based growth, London has a chance to combine economic success with raising living standards. International evidence shows how cities with more local control can grow faster and improve people’s lives.

This year, The London Conference will explore how the capital can deliver its next chapter of growth – one that is driven by innovation, powered by investment and shared more equally across communities. 

We’ll bring together cross–sector business leaders, investors and innovators with policymakers to discuss what it takes to unlock London’s full potential.

We’ll be exploring:

Innovation: Advancing the frontier industries shaping London’s future.
How can London strengthen its position as a global centre for innovation while ensuring that new industries, such as AI, green tech and life sciences, create opportunities, skills and prosperity across the city? How can innovation support sustainable growth that benefits both people and places? 

Investment: Unlocking capital for the places and sectors that can drive growth.  
What will it take to mobilise long-term investment, accelerate regeneration and support the infrastructure, housing, transport and business ecosystems that underpin future growth? In a period of constrained public finances, geopolitical uncertainty and slowing growth, what new approaches can London take to attract and deploy investment at the scale required, and are there underused financial levers that could help bridge the gap? 

Inclusion: Creating opportunities and supporting growth across every London borough and community
How can London ensure that economic success is matched by raising living standards, better opportunities and better outcomes for Londoners? How can London harness local leadership, skills development and community-led growth to build a more inclusive economy and ensure that all communities share in the city’s success?