IE Insights Releases Original Documentary Short “Rethinking Cities”

Urbanization is occurring at a rapid pace, with more than 70% of the world’s population expected to be living in cities by 2050 according to the UN. Infrastructure is already being put to the test – but there is one modern-day natural resource that has yet to be fully tapped: knowledge. It is this topic that is the focus of “Rethinking Cities,” a new documentary short from IE University’s thought leadership publication IE Insights. The 19-minute film explores how universities can be a catalyst for innovation and solutions for the issues facing cities today, including mobility, sustainable development, and waste management.

“This documentary aims to help us understand the role that knowledge-generating institutions, such as universities, research centers, companies, and government institutions, play in shaping cities and helping them become truly prosperous, healthy, and inclusive.”
Javier Cumella Jordan, IE Insights Audiovisual Project Manager and director of “Rethinking Cities.”

The documentary premier took place on November 23 at the IE Tower in Madrid and the screening event included a keynote by Santiago Iñiguez, IE University President and a panel discussion moderated by Cristina Manzano, Director of IE Insights with Carlos Lastra, Professor of Political Economy, IE School of Global and Public Affairs; Eveline van Leeuwen, Scientific Director Amsterdam institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS); and Martha Thorne, Distinguished Professor, IE School of Architecture and Design.

“The role of universities is not that of the ivory tower but to be at the very heart of knowledge, at the heart of economy, and, even more so today, to exist in the economy of knowledge,” said IE University President Santiago Iñiguez. “Universities are key to cities in many respects, because universities not only generate knowledge, research, courses, and programs but also become a part of the life of the community and thus actively participate in the creation and offering of services that nurture society and propel it forward.”

Throughout 2023, “Rethinking Cities” will be screened and featured at events in cities and universities across the globe, in collaboration with IE’s School of Architecture and Design and School of Global and Public Affairs, as well as other universities and organizations,. The schedule will be updated on the film’s website as events and panels are confirmed. To request a screening in your city, contact the team at IE Insights.