In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In this latest blog, a recent study by Annum Rafique (University of Birmingham) and Pei-Yu Yuan (University of Manchester) delves into how text mining can be harnessed to analyse procurement contracts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights”
Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we look at Dr Hunajia Ma, Dr Matthew Lyons, Dr Konstantinos Kollydas and Professor Anne Green’s work on the shortage of digital skills in the UK. In an era of rapid technological transformation, digital … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Digital Skills Demand and Shortages and Their Impact on the UK Regions”
Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the next blog from this series, we look at Dr Chloe Billing’s Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation report which is part of the ongoing work with the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) In today’s evolving … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Leveraging Public Procurement to Drive Local Innovation”
City-REDI Roundup – April 2025
This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in April 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. Funding Local Areas – What does the English public think about changes in how funds are allocated to local government? Findings from a Citizen Engagement Workshop. In February 2025, 43 public … Continue reading “City-REDI Roundup – April 2025”
Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK
In a new series of blogs, we will review City-REDI’s current and historical work. In the next blog, we will examine a paper published by Professor Donald Houston and colleagues. This report illuminates the persistent challenges of underemployment and workforce planning in the UK’s local labour markets. The research delves into the factors contributing to … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Rethinking Local Labour Markets and Under employment in the UK”
Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?
I recently spoke at the Lunar Society, attempting to discuss this topic, an “expert view”. In looking at addressing these questions I thought about a more provocation approach, but first breaking down the topics in the question: Has Birmingham experienced an economic Miracle? Do people benefit? How can they benefit? Watching the recent news, it … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?”
Meet Daniel Jin: Improving Regional Development at City-REDI
Hello! I am Daniel Jin, a graduate of Cardiff University who recently joined City-REDI as a Research Fellow. My research focuses on advancing regional development and local economic growth by improving relevant ingredients such as transportation, housing conditions, corporate productivity, and innovation. To enhance strong and balanced regional development is a journey I am passionate … Continue reading “Meet Daniel Jin: Improving Regional Development at City-REDI”
The Struggle for Devolution Goes On!
Professor Jonathan S. Davies evaluates the government’s agenda in light of the English Devolution White Paper. It has long been recognised that English governance is hopelessly over-centralised, with control over money and power hoarded in Westminster and Whitehall, with Towns and Cities not getting a look in. Promises from the centre to “let go” of … Continue reading “The Struggle for Devolution Goes On!”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025
Concerns about geopolitical risks and further fragmentation of the global economy are leading to policy uncertainty and a weakening of business and consumer sentiment. In the Spring Statement the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced welfare reforms and civil service cost cuts, alongside an increase in defence spending. Businesses and households are facing increasing bills … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025”
The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years
Dr Matt Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma investigate the impact that Trump’s tariffs will have on the UK’s automotive industry. The US has proposed tariffs of 25% on car imports. This blog aims to answer the following questions: What will this cost the UK, and where will it hit hardest? TLDR: The proposed tariffs are … Continue reading “The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years”