The Impact of Brexit and COVID–19 on International Trade In Our Region

Mandy Haque looks at how Brexit and Covid-19 have impacted international trade in the West Midlands and the challenges that lay ahead.  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. … Continue reading “The Impact of Brexit and COVID–19 on International Trade In Our Region”

Income Inequality, Policies and Inclusive Growth

Dr Maryna Ramcharan discusses her new report examining income inequality in the UK at a regional level with a particular focus on the West Midlands.  Visit the project page and view the report  – Income Inequality, Policies and Inclusive Growth  The UK has a very high level of income inequality compared to other countries. Income … Continue reading “Income Inequality, Policies and Inclusive Growth”

Business Support: Referrals to Regional Universities by the GBSLEP Growth Hub

In this blog, Freya Williams, Alice Pugh and Juliane Schwarz examine the referral of businesses by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) Growth Hub to universities in the West Midlands, including what sectors they come from, the size of businesses and what kind of support they receive.  GBSLEP Growth Hub The Greater … Continue reading “Business Support: Referrals to Regional Universities by the GBSLEP Growth Hub”

E-Cargo Bikes – The Future of ‘Last-Mile’ Logistics?

Robert Lynam, one of City-REDI / WMREDI’s summer interns, writes about the use of e-cargo bikes for ‘last-mile’ logistics, potentially reducing emissions, congestion and delivery times in the West Midlands.  What are your perceptions of an e-cargo bike? Peculiar-looking? A novelty that will eventually wear off? What about capable? As well as being favourable for … Continue reading “E-Cargo Bikes – The Future of ‘Last-Mile’ Logistics?”

Hidden Potential? The Role of Universities in the Development of Space-Related Innovation Clusters

Professor Simon Collinson outlines the important role of universities as both R&D producers and skills developers within the development of space-related innovation clusters in the West Midlands region.  This blog has been produced to provide insight into a City-REDI / WMREDI project looking at the development of a Space Cluster in the West Midlands. The … Continue reading “Hidden Potential? The Role of Universities in the Development of Space-Related Innovation Clusters”

Meeting the Skills Needs of the Space Sector

Professor Anne Green outlines the skills shortage in the space sector, the types of skills needed, how the industry can attract a wider pool of recruits and what opportunities are available in the West Midlands and beyond. This blog has been produced to provide insight into a City-REDI / WMREDI project looking at the development … Continue reading “Meeting the Skills Needs of the Space Sector”

How Can a Space Cluster Help the West Midlands to Diversify?

Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles explains how the development of a space cluster in the West Midlands could allow the region to develop new varieties of technologies by following diversified specialisation processes.  This blog has been produced to provide insight into a City-REDI / WMREDI project looking at the development of a Space Cluster in the West … Continue reading “How Can a Space Cluster Help the West Midlands to Diversify?”

The Principles of Smart Specialisation and Space Cluster Development

Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles outlines the principles of Smart Specialisation and Cluster Development and how it can work within the context of developing a West Midlands Space Cluster. This blog has been produced to provide insight into a City-REDI / WMREDI project looking at the development of a Space Cluster in the West Midlands. The project … Continue reading “The Principles of Smart Specialisation and Space Cluster Development”

The Midlands Now Has an Opportunity to Be a World Leader in Advanced Ceramics

Ben Brittain discusses the Advanced Ceramics sector in the Midlands, and how recent funding may pave the way for the region to become a global leader in Advanced Ceramics. Earlier in the year, City-REDI was proud to be part of a consortium of partners that included Rolls Royce and JCB, to create an Advanced Ceramics … Continue reading “The Midlands Now Has an Opportunity to Be a World Leader in Advanced Ceramics”

How Can the Space Sector Drive Growth and Productivity in the West Midlands?

Professor Simon Collinson and Julia Goldsworthy discuss the development of a West Midlands Space Cluster and what it might mean for the region and the wider UK economy. This blog has been produced to provide insight into a City-REDI / WMREDI project looking at the development of a Space Cluster in the West Midlands. The … Continue reading “How Can the Space Sector Drive Growth and Productivity in the West Midlands?”