In this blog, Professor Anne Green discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions which have led to a marked reduction in international travel and immigration to the UK. It has also disrupted the collection of statistics on international travel and immigration. Across various indicators, there has been a reduction in immigration to the UK. … Continue reading “COVID-19 and the Impact on International Mobility and Migration”
Enabling Local R&D Systems to Drive Growth
This is part two of a blog by Professor Simon Collinson on R&D, innovation and regional growth, following an academic forum hosted by WM REDI and UKRI that discussed the evidence that should inform the government’s place R&D strategy. It was first published on the UKRI website. Part one is available here. R&D investment in … Continue reading “Enabling Local R&D Systems to Drive Growth”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th December 2020
This week, the first Covid-19 vaccination in the world was carried out in the West Midlands. Although there are signs of optimism following this, longer-term uncertainty over the Brexit deal continues. European equity futures have risen following stocks rising in much of Asia and the U.S. S&P 500 closed at an all-time high. In Washington, Treasury Secretary … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 11th December 2020”
From Great R&D to Better Outcomes for the UK
This is part one of a two-part blog by Professor Simon Collinson on R&D, innovation and regional growth, following an academic forum hosted by WM-REDI and UKRI that discussed the evidence that should inform the government’s place R&D strategy. It was first published on the UKRI website. A successful national R&D system is, by definition … Continue reading “From Great R&D to Better Outcomes for the UK”
New publication: UK analysts’ and policy-makers’ perspectives on Brexit: challenges, priorities and opportunities for subnational areas
Dr Deniz Sevinc, Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles and Dr Chloe Billing discuss how the voice of the expert was sidelined during the Brexit debates, and why it is crucial for these voices to be heard again for local and regional areas. Over the last two years, as a part of our ESRC funded project “The Economic Impacts … Continue reading “New publication: UK analysts’ and policy-makers’ perspectives on Brexit: challenges, priorities and opportunities for subnational areas”
The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Childcare and Implications for Participation in the Labour Market
In this blog, Dr Sara Hassan looks at the impact of COVID-19 on the childcare sector, a sector already facing significant challenges before the pandemic, which then saw a massive drop in usage when lockdowns began. Since lockdown, many working parents have experienced difficulty in being able to work with some childcare providers closing their … Continue reading “The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Childcare and Implications for Participation in the Labour Market”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 4th December 2020
This week the national lockdown ended and areas have reverted back to tiers. The West Midlands is in tier 3, the highest tier with most restrictions. This is forcing the continued closure or reduced functioning of many businesses specifically in hospitality, tourism and retail. As Brexit draws closer businesses are raising more issues and concerns … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 4th December 2020”
The West Midlands – State of the Region 2020
The State of the Region was published earlier this year. The report provides an in-depth look at West Midlands, it’s past performance, the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit and what the future might hold. The report was developed and supported by the WM REDI partnership to help deepen our knowledge and understanding of the region. … Continue reading “The West Midlands – State of the Region 2020”
The Green Book User Group – Strong Foundations for Better Intervention Development
Rebecca Riley discusses the formation of the Green Book User Group and an event to launch the latest Green Book. This blog was first published on the Government Finance Function website. The Green Book is a great tool for better decision-making, not a compliance code. Yet we all often hear the term “Green Book compliant” … Continue reading “The Green Book User Group – Strong Foundations for Better Intervention Development”
Vaccine Optimism and Global Economic Recovery
News of possible vaccines for the Covid-19 virus has been encouraging, not only for health but also for industry and recovery. But how effective are they likely to be, how will they be distributed, and what will be the likely overall effects for the economy? Dr Deniz Sevinc takes a look at the evidence. November marked … Continue reading “Vaccine Optimism and Global Economic Recovery”