Simon Collinson reflects on his time at the University of Birmingham before he leaves to embark on his next big adventure. After nearly 12 years at the University of Birmingham (UoB), I am leaving to join Zhejiang University (ZJU) in Hangzhou, China, to continue my research on innovation and local economic growth. This will be … Continue reading “REDI for the Next Adventure: My Reflections… and a Big Thanks!”
Author: Simon Collinson
Enhancing University Contributions to Local Growth by Targeting High-Potential Firms and Industries
In a series of blogs, Simon Collinson, Fumi Kitagawa and Tomas Ulrichsen examine the role of universities in regional development. The blogs are co-authored by the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI at City-REDI), … Continue reading “Enhancing University Contributions to Local Growth by Targeting High-Potential Firms and Industries”
Place Matters: Universities and Local Innovation Systems
In a series of blogs, Simon Collinson, Fumi Kitagawa and Tomas Ulrichsen examine the role of universities in regional development. The blogs are co-authored by the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI at City-REDI), … Continue reading “Place Matters: Universities and Local Innovation Systems”
The Wider Socio-Economic Impacts of Firm Insolvencies
2022 saw the largest number of firm insolvencies (bankruptcies) since 2009 in England and Wales. Professor Simon Collinson, Dr Huanjia Ma and Dr Matt Lyons discuss the impact of this on the Birmingham city-region. In 2022 we saw the largest number of firm insolvencies (bankruptcies) since 2009 in England and Wales. Building on previous analysis … Continue reading “The Wider Socio-Economic Impacts of Firm Insolvencies”
The Impacts of Government R&D Funding in the UK: Key Questions for Improving Investment Allocations
Professor Simon Collinson was recently quoted in a House of Commons briefing on Research and Development (R&D) Funding policy. Here, he provides further detail on the issues involved with using Government R&D investments as a tool to support balanced economic growth. Promoting R&D and innovation The UKRI, as the main UK funding agency responsible for promoting … Continue reading “The Impacts of Government R&D Funding in the UK: Key Questions for Improving Investment Allocations”
REDI-Updates: Cost-Of-Living Crisis – The Impact of the Crisis and the Supply-Side Failures Driving It
The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: Cost-Of-Living Crisis – The Impact of the Crisis and the Supply-Side Failures Driving It”
The Nexus of Innovation
Simon Collinson, Fengjie Pan and Pei-Yu Yuan examine Research and Development (R&D) funding in the UK. Does it create equal regional growth across the country? This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater … Continue reading “The Nexus of Innovation”
The Poorest UK Households are Hit Hardest by the Highest Rate of Firm Failure
With bankruptcies on the rise in the UK, Simon Collinson, Matt Lyons and Huanjia Ma look at the impact of firm failure on the economy, employment and households. Data released by the Insolvency Service at the end of January shows that firm insolvencies, or bankruptcies, in England and Wales reached the highest level since 2009. … Continue reading “The Poorest UK Households are Hit Hardest by the Highest Rate of Firm Failure”
Linking Research to Localities – The City-Region Economic Development Institute
Simon Collinson, Rebecca Riley, and Anne Green reflect on the experience of developing City-REDI and the factors that have enabled it to produce research tailored to the needs of regional stakeholders. An invitation to write a chapter for a book titled ‘How to Engage PolicyRe Makers with Your Research: The Art of Informing and Impacting Policy’ provided a … Continue reading “Linking Research to Localities – The City-Region Economic Development Institute”
Regional Clusters: Place Branding for the Co-Location of Firms
Professor Simon Collison discusses how city-regions need to build a straightforward narrative that captures why people and businesses would want to visit, live, work, invest and commit to that particular place. Place branding and local leadership is often focused on promoting inward investment around clusters of economic activity, which can contribute to regional economic growth … Continue reading “Regional Clusters: Place Branding for the Co-Location of Firms”