New paper: The Impact of University STEM Assets – A Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence

This literature review from the West Midlands Regional Development Institute (WMREDI), looks at the effect of university Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) assets on regional economies and innovation ecosystems. Innovation is good for growth and significant for regional development. The innovation process consists of multiple interlinked steps – innovative products and processes must make … Continue reading “New paper: The Impact of University STEM Assets – A Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence”

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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”

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Is the UK Ready to Expand Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)?

Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla looks at Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). What are the positives and negatives of ULEZ and what preparations do we need to make before we implement new zones? To combat air pollution and encourage environmentally friendly travel options, the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in April 2019. All roads … Continue reading “Is the UK Ready to Expand Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)?”

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How Can National and Local Skills Policies Encourage Collaboration Between Universities, Colleges and Employers To Drive Productivity, Innovation and Growth?

In our latest podcast, Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy at the School of Education, University of Birmingham talks to Peter Creticos, President and Executive Director, at the Institute for Work and the Economy in Chicago and Ewart Keep, Professor of Education, Training and Skills at the University of Oxford, about skills policy … Continue reading “How Can National and Local Skills Policies Encourage Collaboration Between Universities, Colleges and Employers To Drive Productivity, Innovation and Growth?”

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REDI Updates: What is the Cost-of-living Crisis?

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: What is the Cost-of-living Crisis?”

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REDI-Updates: Drivers of Inflation

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: Drivers of Inflation”

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Podcast: Small Business Support: Can it be Effective, Highly Visible and Respected?

In our latest podcast, Dr Juliane Schwarz talks to Professor Mart Hart, Deputy Director of the Enterprise Research Centre and Professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, about business support in England. This podcast was inspired by the Birmingham Economic Review 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University … Continue reading “Podcast: Small Business Support: Can it be Effective, Highly Visible and Respected?”

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WMREDI Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands Innovation Landscape: STEAMhouse

In this policy briefing, Juliane Schwarz discusses the STEAMhouse, a Birmingham City University (BCU) asset, exploring its contribution to improving economic performance and social inequality in our region. Special thanks to Professor Joanna Birch, Director of Innovation, Enterprise and Employability at Birmingham City University, and STEAMhouse staff for their contributions. What are the benefits of … Continue reading “WMREDI Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands Innovation Landscape: STEAMhouse”

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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”

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Birmingham in Crisis: Understanding the Challenge of Local Authority Budget Cuts and the Effect on Good Financial Management

Rebecca Riley and Abigail Taylor discusses the recent financial crisis to hit Birmingham City Council, and how the root of the issues facing this council and others around the UK, are a decade in the making. This week it was announced that Birmingham City Council faces a spending freeze and greater scrutiny of its budget. An … Continue reading “Birmingham in Crisis: Understanding the Challenge of Local Authority Budget Cuts and the Effect on Good Financial Management”

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