REDI-Updates 3: The Challenge of Implementing, Understanding and Measuring “Levelling Up”

Welcome to REDI-Updates – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, WMREDI staff look at the government’s flagship policy – Levelling Up. We look at the challenge of implementing, understanding and measuring Levelling Up. In this blog, Professor Simon Collinson and Ben Brittain outline what’s in the latest edition of REDI … Continue reading “REDI-Updates 3: The Challenge of Implementing, Understanding and Measuring “Levelling Up””

Meet Maryna Ramcharan, City-REDI’s New Senior Policy and Data Analyst

My name is Maryna Ramcharan and I  joined City REDI in May 2022. I am from Ukraine where I completed my PhD in Economic Sciences and the degree in Enterprise Management. My PhD thesis explored the opportunities for economic growth and vertical integration of agricultural farms and meat processing companies. The study aimed to develop … Continue reading “Meet Maryna Ramcharan, City-REDI’s New Senior Policy and Data Analyst”

Meet Annum Rafique- City-REDI / WMREDI’S New Research Fellow

My name is Annum Rafique, and I joined City-REDI in March 2022 as a Research Fellow. I have a PhD in economics from Cardiff University, which Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment (NRN-LCEE) funded. My doctoral work focused on the sustainable intensification of dairy farms in Wales and England. I … Continue reading “Meet Annum Rafique- City-REDI / WMREDI’S New Research Fellow”

Meet Reen Blake-Carr, City-REDI’s New Policy and Data Analyst

I have been with the City-REDI team since July 2021, when I started out as an intern on placement for 13 weeks. During my internship, I worked on building City-REDI’s database of economic indicators for the region, which would allow colleagues to visit a ‘one-stop-shop’ to find the relevant data needed for projects. Using the … Continue reading “Meet Reen Blake-Carr, City-REDI’s New Policy and Data Analyst”

New Report: What Is Levelling Up and Can It Work?

Dr Abigail Taylor summarises key findings from a recent report published by the Centre for Inequality and Levelling Up to which she contributed. The Centre for Inequality and Levelling Up (CEILUP) at the University of West London has published a collection of contributions and perspectives from a range of contributors across policy, politics, and academia … Continue reading “New Report: What Is Levelling Up and Can It Work?”

Meet Paul Vallance, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow

I joined City-REDI in September 2021 as a Research Fellow on the EUniWell (European University for Well-being) project. EUniWell is led by a network of seven European Universities – University of Birmingham (UK), the University of Cologne (Germany), the University of Florence (Italy), the University of Nantes (France), Leiden University (the Netherlands), Linnaeus University (Sweden), … Continue reading “Meet Paul Vallance, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow”

STEM Assets and Regional Growth – What We Know, and What We Don’t

Dr Carolin Ioramashvili and Dr Pei-Yu Yuan discuss their WMREDI project looking at STEM Assets in the West Midlands, starting with a literature review in the area.  Basic research and development, often undertaken by universities is a vital ingredient in the innovation process. Businesses and other organisations rely on scientific insights to develop and improve … Continue reading “STEM Assets and Regional Growth – What We Know, and What We Don’t”

Meet Jo Mills, WMREDI’s New Evaluation Analyst

I have recently joined WMREDI on secondment from the University of Wolverhampton as part of the ongoing collaborative partnership with regional universities, Local Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, and Local Enterprise Partnerships in order to help set up a new regional initiative: the Evaluation Lab.  I have been tasked with the practicalities of ensuring supporting infrastructure … Continue reading “Meet Jo Mills, WMREDI’s New Evaluation Analyst”

Meet Carolin Ioramashvili, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow

I joined City-REDI / WMREDI in August 2021 as a Research Fellow. I have recently completed my PhD. I studied in the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics under the supervision of Professors Simona Iammarino and Michael Storper. My PhD explored drivers of regional income differences in the UK. After … Continue reading “Meet Carolin Ioramashvili, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow”

Meet Liz Baines, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Administrative Assistant

My career, up until now, has involved working with orchestras. Having come from a musical background, I studied Arts Management at De Montfort University in Leicester. Shortly after graduating, I worked in the concerts department at Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and gained valuable insight into orchestral life. I went on to work for Allied … Continue reading “Meet Liz Baines, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Administrative Assistant”