A key challenge for the UK and its regions and cities is low productivity vis-à-vis competitors. Employers are not necessarily investing in capital: uncertainty is a key factor here. But employment levels are at historic highs at 75.3% in September 2017, with 32.14 million people in employment. Unemployment rates have fallen: a rate of 4.3%, the … Continue reading “Growing and Aligning Demand and Supply of Skills for Inclusive Growth”
Category: Government
Is the government’s new industrial strategy really a game changer?
The blog was first published in the NS Tech, part of the New Statesman. The reality is when dealing with productivity there are fundamental drivers academia and policy have recognised for a long time, so making the next iteration of policy different and new is incredibly hard. The government’s industrial strategy white paper is no different; there is … Continue reading “Is the government’s new industrial strategy really a game changer?”
Driving Innovation in the UK Space Sector
The space sector forms a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy to spread economic growth across the UK. This reflects the growing importance of satellite-enabled communications and applications to UK businesses and the day-to-day life of its citizens. Smart cities, energy infrastructure, emergency response, food security, environmental monitoring, weather services, and road/rail/maritime traffic management … Continue reading “Driving Innovation in the UK Space Sector”
Professor Simon Collinson interviewed on Radio 4 regarding the Industrial Strategy
Professor Simon Collinson was interviewed this morning (27/11/17), on Radio 4’s Today Show. The interview was part of a panel commentary on the Industrial Strategy, which was published by the government today. Professor Collinson submitted a series of key points on the Industrial Strategy to the show, some of which was covered briefly in the interview: … Continue reading “Professor Simon Collinson interviewed on Radio 4 regarding the Industrial Strategy”
The continental divide? Economic exposure to Brexit in regions and countries on both sides of the Channel
This blog was first posted on The UK in a Changing Europe website. You can view more details about the project here. The work of our international research team, led by City-REDI Institute at the University of Birmingham, has so far focused on assessing the size of the Brexit-related risk exposure for the UK, every other EU … Continue reading “The continental divide? Economic exposure to Brexit in regions and countries on both sides of the Channel”
#Budget2017 – Sailing the ship in troubling times
This year’s autumn statement paints a dramatic statement for growth prospects, with the growth forecast for 2017 downgraded from 2% to 1.5% and GDP falling further to 1.4%, 1.3% and not rising until 2020. Business investment has been revised down and CPI forecasts it to fall later this year. £3bn has been set aside to … Continue reading “#Budget2017 – Sailing the ship in troubling times”
The Autumn Budget 2017: For Whom and for What Purpose or just an exercise in Whistling in the Wind?
This blog was written by Professor John Bryson, City-REDI, Birmingham Business School. I find the political and media worlds in the UK increasingly depressing. I had wondered if this was a new form of illness, perhaps Brexitis. I have been reflecting on my increasing disillusionment with both British politics and the media and I have … Continue reading “The Autumn Budget 2017: For Whom and for What Purpose or just an exercise in Whistling in the Wind?”
City-REDI feature in “Data as Infrastructure” report
Professor Simon Collinson and Dr Amir Qamar were recently featured in a report on data by Prospect magazine. The report, called “Data as Infrastructure” puts together a series of articles and essays on “Smart cities” and how local authorities are beginning to see data as another form of infrastructure. Simon and Amir’s chapter titled “Smart … Continue reading “City-REDI feature in “Data as Infrastructure” report”
Connectivity and growth – are Engines, Powerhouses, Combined authorities the solution?
“If devolution is a journey, the current deals are not the destination”, was an underlying theme in the discussion at the City-REDI sponsored the Labour Party Conference fringe event on connectivity and growth (organised by Devo Connect). The current approach of making cities and (as Sir John Peace pointed out) other areas compete for limited … Continue reading “Connectivity and growth – are Engines, Powerhouses, Combined authorities the solution?”
What should the Mayor do on skills & housing?
Skills is a significant issue for the West Midlands but it’s structural and deep seated nature means 100 days of Mayoral activity is only the start. Solutions are long term and require fundamental changes to the regional economy, labour market and delivery structures. It’s vital the Mayor puts in place a programme of change that … Continue reading “What should the Mayor do on skills & housing?”