This year marks a major milestone for City-REDI as we celebrate a decade of research, impact, and collaboration. Over the past 10 years, we’ve grown from a bold idea into a leading centre for regional economic development, shaping policy and practice across the UK and beyond.
To mark this anniversary, we’re launching a special blog series that looks back on our journey—highlighting key projects, partnerships, and the people who’ve helped make it all happen.
The next part of our series is from Delma Dwight, one of our Board Members at City-REDI and was there from the very beginning bringing the idea to light.
Professor Delma Dwight has been pioneering the use of evidence-based intelligence to shape policy and strategy across the Midlands for more than 23 years. She is recognised for translating complex data into clear insights that inform strategic decision-making at the highest level.
Delma founded the Black Country Economic Intelligence Unit in 2002 and has led The Economic Intelligence Unit for over two decades. From 2019–2025 she also directed the Midlands Engine Observatory, playing a central role in strengthening regional economic research and collaboration.
Appointed Visiting Professor at the University of Wolverhampton in 2019, Delma combines academic rigour with practical policy expertise. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Commerce from University College Galway and a Masters in Economics from University College Dublin.
Her career has also spanned international and national institutions, including the Economic and Social Research Institute in Dublin, Curtin University in Perth, and economist roles in London.
What projects or initiatives have you collaborated on with City-REDI?
The Economic Intelligence Unit has partnered with City-REDI on a wide range of initiatives over the last decade. Two of the most significant are:
- The West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – an insightful and timely resource that proved invaluable during the pandemic. Working collectively, we produced a weekly report for the Mayor and partners, tracking regional economic trends and providing essential evidence for decision-making.
- Exploring Emerging and Future Opportunities in the West Midlands Combined Authority Region – a joint report for WMCA that analysed how established industries and new technologies interact to shape future economic clusters. It introduced a framework around four ecosystems—Business, Innovation, Investment & FDI, and Talent—assessing 22 opportunity areas. This work identified high-potential sectors such as Future Logistics, Defence, and Hydrogen, while also highlighting barriers such as skills shortages and infrastructure challenges.
What stands out as the most impactful or memorable aspect of your partnership?
Being part of the DREAM team! Literally – Professor Rebecca Riley created the Data, Research, Evaluation, Analysis and Monitoring (DREAM) network, and over the past 10 years we have collaborated across all these dimensions. This shared endeavour has provided invaluable support to partners across the region.
What has been your experience working with City-REDI researchers or teams?
City-REDI has created a much-needed platform for collaboration. It serves as a trusted local knowledge network where ideas can be tested, new tools shared, and collective challenges worked through. In a time of reduced capacity for research within the public sector, having a genuine ecosystem that bridges local authorities and academia has been invaluable.
What do you think sets City-REDI apart from other research centres or institutions?
Its unique ability to blend academic expertise with practical, policy-relevant analysis, while maintaining strong regional roots and connections with local partners.
What three words best describe City-REDI from your perspective?
Analysts love an acronym, so I’ve chosen three words for each element of REDI:
- Responsive, Relevant, Rigorous
- Evidence-based, Engaged, Expert
- Data-driven, Dynamic, Diverse
- Independent, Innovative, Influential
This blog was written by Delma Dwight, Director of The Economic Intelligence Unit.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.