State of the Region 2004-2008

We produced a State of the Region Report each year between 2004 and 2008.

We reviewed the key issues and challenges facing the West Midlands. We also reviewed the policies and strategies which address those challenges and the evidence base to support policy.

In 2008, we changed our State of the Region process. Instead of a single annual report, we started a series of thematic dialogues comprising workshops bringing key policy makers and decision makers together with researchers and analysts supplying the evidence.

The aim is to make the evidence we produce even more relevant to policy makers' needs and to strengthen how evidence is used to inform policy.

State of the Region Report 2008 (PDF 1.37mb)State of the Region Report 2008

In the 2008 report (pdf, 1.37mb) we reviewed what the evidence tells us about changes in the West Midlands since 2004 and the key challenges remaining.

We looked at progress over the previous four years in developing evidence-​based policy. The improved evidence base has had an impact and the importance of evidence-​based policy continues to rise.

The report concludes by looking to the future, in terms of planned evidence base developments, the process by which evidence informs policy making and key challenges facing the West Midlands.

 

State of the Region Update Report 2007 (PDF, 3.95mb)State of the Region Update Report 2007

In the 2007 update report (pdf, 3.95mb) we focused on two major challenges facing the West Midlands: climate change and changing population demographics.

We presented the evidence of the changing climate and projected changes under various scenarios, looking at implications of these changes on key sectors and resources.

We also presented evidence about the population of the West Midlands, including future projections and migration figures, and implications for key policy themes.

Throughout, we considered what all of this means for policy makers.

 

State of the Region Update Report 2006 coverState of the Region Update Report 2006

In the 2006 update (pdf, 2.3mb) we explored the main issues in developing a sustainable knowledge economy – one which is economically competitive, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

We looked at transport, revealing a picture of rising congestion threatening to undermine competitiveness and quality of life through degradation of the environment.

We also explored the scope of the West Midlands' cultural sector, both as an economic entity in its own right, and also as a facilitator of wider economic development. We emphasised the importance of culture towards enhancing social cohesion and identity in the West Midlands.

 

State of the Region Update Report 2005 (PDF, 1.5mb)State of the Region Update Report 2005

The 2005 update (pdf, 1.5mb) used data from our regional lifestyle survey to explore issues of residential preference, community safety and community satisfaction.

We also looked at developing skills for a prosperous West Midlands and identified key issues relating to rural areas.

 

 

 

 

State of the Region Report 2004 (PDF, 4.35mb)State of the Region Report 2004: Real Lives, Real Issues

Real Lives, Real Issues (pdf, 4.35mb) was our first State of the Region Report for the West Midlands.

This first report aimed to improve robustness and completeness of the evidence base, identify gaps in evidence, and place available evidence in context to offer a clear view of the challenges and successes of the West Midlands.

 

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