New Report Released: Governance and Urban Development in Birmingham

For the past three years, an interdisciplinary (and international) team of geographers, political scientists and urban planners working across the universities of Birmingham and Zurich has been studying Birmingham’s urban development, governance, and social and economic trends from the year 2000 to present. Now, as our research project draws to a close, we have reached … Continue reading “New Report Released: Governance and Urban Development in Birmingham”

The Structure of the West Midlands Economy: West Midlands in the UK context

This is the first of a series of policy briefings linked to the Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK  (SEIM-UK) project (view the second briefing). In this first policy briefing, we analyse the structure of the West Midlands Economy (WME) in terms of production and value-added; private consumption and disposable income; public infrastructure and gross … Continue reading “The Structure of the West Midlands Economy: West Midlands in the UK context”

Lessons for the West Midlands From Greater Montreal

Recently, I had the privilege of travelling to Montreal, to present a paper with my colleague Rebecca Riley and meet with key policy makers. The trip provided a fascinating comparison with the West Midlands, in particular in terms of the success of industrial clusters, approaches to promoting FDI, the use of innovation zones, and university … Continue reading “Lessons for the West Midlands From Greater Montreal”

Making Inclusive Economic Growth Happen

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2019 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “Making Inclusive Economic Growth Happen”

Towards an Integrated Transport Policy in the West Midlands

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2019 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “Towards an Integrated Transport Policy in the West Midlands”

What are Industrial Clusters and Economies of Agglomeration?

Welcome to part four in our new series “What is…?” where we explain the language, terms and ideas used in our day-to-day work.  Other blogs from the series include: What is GVA? What is Smart Specialisation? What is Transport Resilience?  Definition and description A business cluster or industrial cluster is an umbrella term that describes … Continue reading “What are Industrial Clusters and Economies of Agglomeration?”

From Grade A Office Space to Affordable Housing: Towards a Responsible and Inclusive City

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2019 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “From Grade A Office Space to Affordable Housing: Towards a Responsible and Inclusive City”

What is the State of Devolution Around the World?

Previous blogs in this devolution series have considered the political and economic benefits of devolving decision-making power, looked at the situation in England, with the new combined authorities and the office of the Mayor of London and the form devolution takes across in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The next blog in the series looks at … Continue reading “What is the State of Devolution Around the World?”

Changing Apprenticeships: Challenges and Opportunities

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2019 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “Changing Apprenticeships: Challenges and Opportunities”

Research Funding as a Driver of Growth

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2019 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “Research Funding as a Driver of Growth”