Global Trends The OECD found that the global economy in 2025 has been more resilient than expected, supported by better financial conditions, AI-driven investment, and macroeconomic policies. The OECD finds significant risks remain including weakening labour markets, potential financial instability (non-bank institutions, crypto volatility), trade barriers, and fiscal pressures that could raise bond yields and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 10th December 2025”
Beyond ‘what works’, who works, how and at what scales for the civic university: reflections from the Regional Studies Association Conference, Porto May 2025
In a blog, originally published by the National Civic Impact Accelerator, Johannes Read and Matthew Guest reflect on the Regional Studies Association Conference. Building on from the backdrop of a renewed interest in the civic role that universities play in their local areas, members of the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) team co-led a special session at … Continue reading “Beyond ‘what works’, who works, how and at what scales for the civic university: reflections from the Regional Studies Association Conference, Porto May 2025”
The Birmingham Economic Review 2025
Dr Matthew Lyons summarises the annual Birmingham Economic Review 2025, in collaboration with the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the City Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) at the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The report launched on Thursday 4th of December at The … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2025”
Demonstrating the Economic Impacts of Civic Universities
In a new blog series, originally published by the National Civic Impact Accelerator, Alice Pugh explores how civic universities assess their local impact, and why reframing economic assessments is key to capturing civic and regional contributions. Civic universities are universities which are embedded within their local area, they are rooted within a town, city and/or … Continue reading “Demonstrating the Economic Impacts of Civic Universities”
Budget 2025: What Does the Budget mean for the East Midlands?
In this blog, Johannes Read has provided a breakdown of what the budget announcement means for the East Midlands. This blog was produced for Midlands Business Insider. Devolution in the East Midlands has come a long way in recent years. What started with announcements in 2022 and 2023 of a devolution deal to form the … Continue reading “Budget 2025: What Does the Budget mean for the East Midlands?”
Unpicking the 2025 Budget
Johannes Read, Senior Policy and Data Analyst at the City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) outlines that announcements made in the 2025 Budget on 26th November is more about tinkering with the edges, rather than a deeper, and arguably necessary, reform. Tackling different types of challenges Football is a big part of my life. As a … Continue reading “Unpicking the 2025 Budget”
UK Budget 2025: Key Measures and Economic Outlook
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget, outlining plans for taxes, public services, infrastructure, business support, and social measures, alongside updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Some details were previously announced, while others emerged after the OBR accidentally published its official forecast early. This blog aims to summarise what was said … Continue reading “UK Budget 2025: Key Measures and Economic Outlook”
From Bronze to Gold: How a Place-Based Approach Can Drive UK Industrial Strategy Excellence
Rebecca Riley, Peter O’Brien and Helen Turner reflect on the Innovation for Growth summit – UKRI. Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) opened the summit with an analogy that, in 1996, Team GB finished 36th in the Olympic medal table a sobering result for a nation with sporting history, tradition … Continue reading “From Bronze to Gold: How a Place-Based Approach Can Drive UK Industrial Strategy Excellence”
Developing a Business Case: Introduction to the Financial, Commercial and Managerial Cases
In a series of blogs, originally published by the National Civic Impact Accelerator, Alice Pugh explores the financial, commercial, and management cases in business case development, focusing on affordability, procurement, and delivery strategy. Financial Case The purpose of the financial case within the business case is to demonstrate the affordability and funding of the preferred option, … Continue reading “Developing a Business Case: Introduction to the Financial, Commercial and Managerial Cases”
Celebrating Our New City-REDI Associates
We are pleased to announce our new City-REDI Associates, who will join a vibrant community of researchers and policy experts working on some of the most pressing challenges facing cities and regions today. Our Associates will be working on a range of externally funded projects, not limited to, but including the Local Policy Innovation Partnership … Continue reading “Celebrating Our New City-REDI Associates”