West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024

This month the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts stable but underwhelming global growth. US upgrades offset downgrades for European economies and emerging markets impacted by conflicts, weather events, and commodity disruptions. The UK’s Invest 2035 plan is under consultation. It focuses on tackling growth barriers and creating high-quality jobs in high-growth sectors, with a modern … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024”

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Birmingham Economic Review 2024: A Year of Hope and Recovery

Alice Pugh, Emily Stubbs, and Gemma Dilkes summarise the key points in this year’s Birmingham Economic Review, produced by City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The review highlights the ongoing recovery of the Greater Birmingham Economy that the city-region has been experiencing, during a period of UK and global political uncertainty. Highlighting both … Continue reading “Birmingham Economic Review 2024: A Year of Hope and Recovery”

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The Impact of WMREDI: A Collaborative Approach to Regional Economic Development

This blog explores the impact of the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI), looking at its role in creating collaboration between universities, businesses, and policymakers to drive regional economic growth. The West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) was created in response to a need in the region for a more collaborative, evidence-based approach … Continue reading “The Impact of WMREDI: A Collaborative Approach to Regional Economic Development”

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Engaging Universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and Levelling Up

  In June, Rebecca Riley, Anne Green and Des McNulty published a paper, Engaging universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and levelling up. In this blog we look back at the Universities and Region Forum: Universities, Pride in Place and Levelling Up policy briefing, on which the paper was based. The Levelling Up White Paper from 2022 … Continue reading “Engaging Universities in ‘Pride in Place’ and Levelling Up”

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The WMREDI Story: Insights From Danielle Dale

In her new role as Executive Assistant for Professor Rebecca Riley, Danielle Dale blogs about attending the launch event of the WMREDI Story. I am really enjoying being an Executive Assistant for our Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement, Professor Rebecca Riley (Bec). Bec co-directs our City-REDI research institute. Recently, I attended the West … Continue reading “The WMREDI Story: Insights From Danielle Dale”

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Exploring the Role of the Community Sponsorship Scheme in Supporting Refugee Integration in the UK

Globally, resettlement is recognised as one of the most sustainable solutions for supporting refugees. The UK’s introduction of the Community Sponsorship Scheme (CSS) represents an innovative approach, where local communities are empowered to resettle refugee families, providing them with enhanced integration support. Dr Sara Hassan explores the effectiveness of this programme, particularly in the context … Continue reading “Exploring the Role of the Community Sponsorship Scheme in Supporting Refugee Integration in the UK”

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The Launch of the WMREDI Story

The WMREDI Story was launched on Thursday, 10 October, at The Exchange, University of Birmingham. The report provides an in-depth look at the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute’s (WMREDI) successes, challenges, achievements, and impact. Find out more and download the WMREDI Story A brief history of WMREDI WMREDI was based at the University of … Continue reading “The Launch of the WMREDI Story”

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Academic-Policy Engagement: A Model for Delivering Place-Based Missions?

On 23 September, the Heseltine Institute, City-REDI (City-Region Economic Development Institute), and the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) hosted a roundtable fringe event at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool to explore how universities can contribute to place growth. This blog was first posted on the Heseltine Institute blog site, by … Continue reading “Academic-Policy Engagement: A Model for Delivering Place-Based Missions?”

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Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands

Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director of City-REDI, University of Birmingham, is a commissioner for the Business Commission West Midlands. She has been supporting engagement in the region’s business community and the creation of the final ‘Roadmap for Business Growth’ report. In this blog, Anne reflects on her role in the commission … Continue reading “Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands”

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