Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap

Dr Chloe Billing explores the Research and Development opportunities available to the West Midlands, the different funding strands for these and how the region can make the most of them. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and posed significant challenges to research and innovation in the UK. This was discussed in my … Continue reading “Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap”

How Can the UK Learn From Different International Skills Systems to Develop Post-Compulsory Education?

In this blog, Dr Abigail Taylor discusses her new report “Skills System International Case Studies” which identifies the key features and challenges of different international skills systems. For the third paper resulting from my recent ESRC-funded secondment to the Industrial Strategy Council, I produced case studies of the post-compulsory education systems in Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands … Continue reading “How Can the UK Learn From Different International Skills Systems to Develop Post-Compulsory Education?”

To V or Not to V? Are We Heading for a V-Shaped Recovery?

  Ben Brittain analyses the available data to discuss whether the Bank of England is right in predicting that the UK economy is heading for a V-shaped recovery. The Bank of England has suggested the UK economy is heading for a V-shaped recovery. It has used a variety of indicators to come to its conclusion. … Continue reading “To V or Not to V? Are We Heading for a V-Shaped Recovery?”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 3rd July 2020

WM REDI has been tasked with providing an up to date monitor of the current COVID-19 economic impacts, on a weekly basis. These reports will help regional partners to shape responses and interventions to boost the region’s resilience so that it can thrive going forward. Each week the focus of the report is based on … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 3rd July 2020”

City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – June 2020

Media engagements Professor Simon Collinson featured on various national and regional outlets for the launch of the WMCA regional recovery plan and investment proposals, including ITV Central and the Mail Online. The story was covered widely with 154 pieces of separate coverage. Events Dr Deniz Sevinc and Dr Suman Seth, University of Leeds organised a … Continue reading “City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – June 2020”

Perspectives on Skills and the Value of Training: Trends, Challenges and Priorities

In this blog, Professor Anne Green and Dr Abigail Taylor discuss their new report  “Workplace Perspectives on Skills” examining employer perceptions relating to skills and the value of training, with the aim of understanding the specific skills and skills investment challenges employers face. Previous research for the Industrial Strategy Council highlighted that by 2030, 7 … Continue reading “Perspectives on Skills and the Value of Training: Trends, Challenges and Priorities”

Brexit and UK Manufacturing

Manufacturing is still important The UK is largely seen as a ‘service-based’ economy, which means that services – such as financial, legal, research & development (R&D), real estate and so on – account for the bulk of economic output and employment. Manufacturing, on the other hand, only formally accounts for around 10% of the economy … Continue reading “Brexit and UK Manufacturing”