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SSG-Bridge International Symposium:UK-India Collaboration for Resilient Cities

Dates: 17th – 19th September 2025 

Locations: Munjal Birmingham City University Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBCIE), Ludhiana, and Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab 

The 21st century is defined by rapid urbanisation, which presents critical challenges alongside economic opportunities. In response, the SSG-Bridge project aims to advance cutting-edge research on Smart, Sustainable, and Green (SSG) cities. Generously co-funded by the British Council under its International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the initiative is a deep collaboration between Birmingham City University (BCU), Lovely Professional University (LPU), Munjal BCU Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBCIE), and the Public Action Committee (PAC).

A central feature of the project is a comparative feasibility study acting as a "stress test" between two deliberately contrasting cities: Ludhiana, a rapidly industrialising hub known as the "Manchester of India," and Birmingham, a mature, post-industrial innovator in the UK.

Symposium Highlights: A Three-Day Journey of Co-Creation The symposium served as the primary catalyst for this year-long project, bringing together over 60 researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and community stakeholders.

Day 1: SSG Practices in Ludhiana & Birmingham (Hosted at MBCIE)

  • The symposium opened with keynote addresses framing the urban challenges and current SSG practices in both cities. Insights were shared by distinguished speakers including Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma (Professor and Senior Dean at LPU), Ms. Karolina Medwecka (East Birmingham Programme Development Manager), and Ar. Sanjay Goel (Ludhiana Smart City Ltd).
  • The afternoon featured an immersive, hands-on LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop led by Dr. Vahid Javidroozi (BCU), allowing stakeholders to collaboratively build a shared, systems-based understanding of the SSG city concept.

Day 2: Building the Bridge - Dialogue and Collaborative Research (Hosted at LPU)

  • Hosted at LPU's School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Day 2 focused on holistic integration and cross-country dialogue.
  • Keynote sessions were delivered by academic leaders including Dr. Vahid Javidroozi (BCU), Dr. Prem Kumar (MBCIE), Prof. Cham Athwal (BCU) and Ar. Siddhartha Wig (Co-Founder of The Element)
  • The afternoon featured a comprehensive panel discussion, exploring core themes of urban resilience, technological innovation, sustainability, and inclusive governance. Experts across the three SSG pillars shared valuable insights, highlighting real-world case studies such as the Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District in Birmingham alongside practical lessons learned from Ludhiana.
  • Following the panel, a dedicated Research and Publication Workshop was held for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to formulate joint research ideas, learn comparative research design, and focus on high-impact journal publications

Day 3: Pathways to Impact - Implementation and Legacy (Hosted at LPU)

  • The final day emphasised environmental solutions, community action, and sustainable infrastructure.
  • Expert perspectives were provided by Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig (former Chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board), Col. CM Lakhanpal (PAC), Dr. Abdul Qayoom Hamal (BCU) and Dr. Suruchi Jindal (LPU) on topics ranging from urban environment issues to community contributions and urban agri-biotech.
  • The event concluded with a panel discussion, a valedictory session, and the awarding of certificates.

Major Outcomes & Long-Term Legacy : The symposium successfully transformed the partnership into an active research ecosystem.

Key outcomes include:

  • UK-India ECR Teams: Three interdisciplinary research teams, comprising UK and Indian ECRs, were formally launched to undertake a nine-month empirical research and mentorship program.
  • Academic Integration: Ten student research project themes (BSc and MSc levels) were identified to embed SSG principles into teaching and applied learning across both BCU and LPU.
  • Indo-UK SSG Research Centre: Highlighting a commitment to long-term impact, LPU Vice President Dr. Aman Mittal announced plans for a dedicated Indo-UK SSG Research Centre at the university, aligning with BCU's existing SSG Research Alliance.
  • Policy Influence: The event fostered direct policy engagements with Ludhiana municipal stakeholders and Birmingham City Council, ensuring the ongoing feasibility study is grounded in real-world civic needs.