Innovation ecosystems are fundamental drivers of regional economic growth, particularly in areas where there is a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D), advanced manufacturing, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) assets. In this blog, we explore the impact of the West Midlands Research and Economic Development Initiative (WMREDI) in fostering these ecosystems, with … Continue reading “The Role of Innovation Ecosystems in Regional Economic Growth: A Case Study of the West Midlands”
The State of Digital Skills and Shortages in the UK: Findings from City-REDI Report on Digital Skills
The UK has seen a dynamic evolution of the demand for digital skills over recent years, with a significant increase in the need for advanced, intermediate, and basic digital competencies across regions and occupations. These changes reflect the rapid digitalisation of workplaces and the growing integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation … Continue reading “The State of Digital Skills and Shortages in the UK: Findings from City-REDI Report on Digital Skills”
Economic Geographies of the West Midlands – Current Features and Future Implications
In December 2024 the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) published a study on Economic Geographies of the West Midlands co-authored by SQW, City-REDI and Automatic Knowledge. The purpose of the report was to expand and deepen understanding of the economic geographies of the West Midlands, with a particular focus on the interdependencies and connections between … Continue reading “Economic Geographies of the West Midlands – Current Features and Future Implications”
When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?
New car purchases have fallen since their peak in 2016 and driving licenses are falling amongst the young. In this blog, Matt Lyons, Kurt Kratena and Sara Hassan consider the question when will the UK reach peak car? View our policy briefing – Preparing the region for ‘peak car’ People are driving less Figures from … Continue reading “When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?”
Demonstrating the Economic Impacts of Civic Universities
Alice Pugh discusses the need for universities to improve how they measure and assess their civic and economic impact, particularly in relation to regional inequalities. It critiques current impact assessments for being overly prescriptive and lacking a clear rationale, urging universities to integrate these assessments into strategic frameworks and develop more dynamic, locally contextualized evaluations … Continue reading “Demonstrating the Economic Impacts of Civic Universities”
Uneven Rise in Economic Inactivity: A Growing Concern for the West Midlands
This year’s Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. … Continue reading “Uneven Rise in Economic Inactivity: A Growing Concern for the West Midlands”
Meet Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia: Advancing Inclusive Innovation at City-REDI
Hello! I’m Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia, and I recently joined City-REDI, Business School, as a Research Fellow. My work focuses on fostering inclusive innovation and bridging socio-economic gaps through evidence-based research and policy development. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and ideas to this dynamic research centre. A … Continue reading “Meet Dr. Gerardo Arriaga-Garcia: Advancing Inclusive Innovation at City-REDI”
AI – Risks and opportunities for the West Midlands?
This year’s Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. … Continue reading “AI – Risks and opportunities for the West Midlands?”
The Impact of WMREDI : Strengthening Local Labour Markets and Skill Development for Regional Growth
This blog discusses the importance of skills development and local labour market improvements for regional growth, focusing on initiatives in the West Midlands through the WMREDI program. It highlights research and policy efforts to tackle employment barriers, and skills gaps, and enhance workforce capabilities in areas such as digital skills, R&D, and youth employment. Building … Continue reading “The Impact of WMREDI : Strengthening Local Labour Markets and Skill Development for Regional Growth”
Is the UK Government’s Employment White Paper up to the task?
The UK Government published its employment White Paper Get Britain Working on 26th November 2024. In this blog, Donald Houston and Anne Green reflect on how realistic the White Paper’s target of an 80% employment rate is. They also assess the merits and limitations of the proposals in getting there. They conclude with some constructive … Continue reading “Is the UK Government’s Employment White Paper up to the task?”