There is every reason to think that technologies will continue to transform London in the decades ahead, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Indeed the pace of invention seems to be accelerating. At the same time, technological innovation seems to be becoming ever more central to London’s economy – witness the expansion of London’s leading universities across the capital and the growth of new digital and life science clusters.

The essays in this edition all look to the future. Some focus on how new technologies could affect life in the city. Some explore the role that innovation plays or could play in boosting London’s economy and helping the city meet its many challenges.