It is now two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and the Global Economy is being rocked by another severe shock. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is foremost a human tragedy and a reminder of the terrible costs of war and the immense and immeasurable consequences for those who are caught up in them. … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 April 2022”
Fewer Firms are Created in UK Regions Outside London and the South-East
Co-authored by Huanjia Ma and Simon Collinson, they have been discussing new firm creation in regions outside London and the South-East in the context of the government’s levelling up policy plans. The UK government’s recent levelling up plans promise large investments in infrastructure, R&D, skills and education, and the relocation of public sector employment, to … Continue reading “Fewer Firms are Created in UK Regions Outside London and the South-East”
Why do Policymakers Need a Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) in the West Midlands?
Meng Song and Mark Hart discuss the need to examine the demographic characteristics and motivation of entrepreneurs to increase our understanding of people who create new businesses and to track them throughout their start-up journey to improve our support for them. This blog highlights the work of a new project “Lifting the Lid on Enterprise … Continue reading “Why do Policymakers Need a Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) in the West Midlands?”
Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?
On 29th March 2017, article 50 was triggered and the UK began the process of leaving the EU. To mark the day, Hannes Read looks at the impact Brexit has had on the West Midlands. The 29th March 2022 marks five years to the day since Article 50 was formally triggered; beginning the process for … Continue reading “Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?”
A Spotlight on the Øresund Bridge, Denmark and Sweden
Gina Coe looks at the experiences of investing in infrastructure, specifically the Øresund Bridge situated in the Øresund Region, to address regional inequality. Infrastructure investment can boost a region’s economic growth in the short-, medium-, and long-term, as well as working to address regional inequalities and disparities in outcomes. The blog shines a brief spotlight … Continue reading “A Spotlight on the Øresund Bridge, Denmark and Sweden”
HS2: A Vital Catalyst for Growth
Mark Thurston highlights the importance of the HS2 rail line for Birmingham and the West Midlands. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of … Continue reading “HS2: A Vital Catalyst for Growth”
Meet Huanjia Ma, City-REDI/WMREDI’s New Research Fellow
I joined City-REDI in February after completing my PhD in Economics at the University of Birmingham. I am an applied economist and my main research fields are in regional economic development, firm behaviour and household finance. I specialise in conducting empirical analysis as well as causal inference with panel data at both micro and macro … Continue reading “Meet Huanjia Ma, City-REDI/WMREDI’s New Research Fellow”
What Does the Future Business District Look Like?
Covid-19 ushered in a dramatic change in working practices. Professor Anne Green looks at three major impacts this will have for cities like Birmingham. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “What Does the Future Business District Look Like?”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022
In the last fortnight we have seen considerable world turmoil, war in Eastern Europe, sanctions on Russia, further weakening of supply chains and escalating prices which are putting considerable stress on people and businesses. Whilst Covid-19 is still also in our midst, upheaval and migration could create greater risks of infection growth. However, it is … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022”
Investing in Infrastructure: Best Practice From Bilbao to New South Wales
Abigail Taylor, Anne Green and Gina Coe discuss how governments around the globe have focused on infrastructure investment in attempt to address regional inequalities. Governments have turned to infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth. From the UK’s Plan for Growth and the European Green Deal to the US’s Build Back Better Plan, infrastructure has been … Continue reading “Investing in Infrastructure: Best Practice From Bilbao to New South Wales”