Cities simply don't have the powers they need to radically innovate in cutting obesity or the number of disaffected teenagers.

Economies are complex beasts that need people to do an extraordinary range of tasks.

Everyone knows of great projects that were too dependent on a charismatic individual, or simply too expensive to be replicated.

Courses can, and should, incorporate the excitement and fun of programming games, apps or even real digital devices.

Before the Second World War, L'Oreal in France was an active supporter of the French fascists. The cosmetic group's founder Eugene Schueller was an active member of the 'Cagoule' group, committed to the violent overthrow of the Third Republic, and hosted meetings at Oreal headquarters.

On the environment and climate change, I suspect that future generations will think there was too much timidity, too much fear of upsetting business. Basically, New Labour was very nervous about regulating business, or requiring it to do anything, even when there was a very clear social or environmental case for doing so.

L'Oreal's slogan 'because you're worth it' has come to epitomise banal narcissism of early 21st century capitalism; easy indulgence and effortless self-love all available at a flick of the credit card.