Edge Books

Collaboration for Change: The Edge Commission Report on the Future of Professionalism

In 2014 the Edge invited Paul Morrell to chair a Commission of Inquiry into the future of professionalism in the built environment/construction industry. The resulting report explores the key issues facing professionals and their institutions at this ‘moment for change’ and hopes you will join us in the discussion on this critical issue for the industry and its professional institutions.

In 2020, with the support of ACO, the Edge published a second edition of Collaboration for Change, with a new preface by its author, Paul Morrell.

Download the Second edition of the report here.

“The recommendations in the report highlight that change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation and consensus and the professions and other key institutions can lead the way in ensuring that this collaboration is in the public interest.” - Chris Blythe, Chief Executive CIOB

“The title of the Edge Commission’s Report:  “Collaboration for Change” neatly encapsulates the challenge facing professions today. If professions are to remain relevant in an ever more interconnected and technologically advanced world, they will need to work together more closely.” - Sean Tompkins CEO RICS

“CIBSE welcomes the Morrell Report and thanks not only the EDGE but also the many contributors to this important Report.  Relevance is an important issue for all the professional bodies and especially in the Construction Sector where old practices are being swept away and engineering in the built environment faces significant challenges.  While we are all products of the past we must face the future with a real determination to embrace change.” - Stephen Matthews, Chief Executive CIBSE

“The Edge Commission Report on the Future of Professionalism – Collaboration for Change - provides valuable expert insights at a time of significant evolution of the construction professions, driven by societal, technological, economic and demographic change.  The RIBA supports the general direction outlined in the Report.  Indeed we and other professional institutes are already actively engaged on many of the issues that it identifies and in that context we welcome its publication” - Harry Rich, Chief Executive RIBA

Education and Creativity (2008)

Simon Foxell and William Mitchell

Education and Creativity, by Simon Foxell and William J Mitchell, addresses the role of education in a fast-changing social and economic environment. Can an investment in personalization deliver a more resilient system and is widespread training in creativity a possible option for a better world?

Download: Education & Creativity

Living and Community (2008)

Geoff Mulgan

Living and Community, by Geoff Mulgan, investigates new models of establishing and developing identity and ownership in new and more transient communities.

Download: Living and Community