We carry out research for a range of partners in the West Midlands. Our areas of expertise include skills, economic inclusion, low carbon, enterprise and innovation, culture, policy assessment modelling and defining functioning economic areas.
We offer hard facts and objective assessment of what those facts tell us, helping decision makers take tough policy decisions with a sense of confidence about the future.
Recent work includes:
Impact investment locations
Published 13 July 2010
We analysed potential for job creation and associated demand for skills at 15 of the 20 impact investment locations in the West Midlands. These locations are areas in which investment in economic development, regeneration and transport should be concentrated to support economic growth.
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West Midlands economy post recession
Published 29 June 2010
This research provides insight into existing and likely future skills needs in the West Midlands. We considered the changing needs of the West Midlands economy and labour market as it moves out of recession to help inform decisions of employers, individuals and skills providers.
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Worklessness in the West Midlands: the impact of demographics and multiple risk factors
Published 7 June 2010
We explored the impact of demographics and multiple risk factors in determining an individual's chances of being workless. We looked at the impact of some of these risk factors, alone and in combination with each other, on the probability of worklessness in the West Midlands and England.
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Analysis of sub-regional dynamics in the West Midlands
Published 23 March 2010
We did a study of the evidence about relationships between places within the West Midlands. The work aimed to increase understanding of sub-regional geographies within the West Midlands, based on functional relationships. It will help staff in local authorities and groups of local authority areas identify where they have relationships with neighbours and inform them on issues where they need to work together.
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Growth into a low carbon economy in the West Midlands
Published 8 March 2010
A low carbon economy is one where businesses deliver products and services while reducing their level of carbon emissions. This research gives a better understanding of opportunities the low carbon economy can deliver in the West Midlands.
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Regional skills assessment 2009
Published 12 February 2010
Our assessment provides an overview of the changing needs of the West Midlands' labour market, with detailed exploration of key issues by sector and by local area. We focused on recent trends, the impact of recession and prospects for recovery.
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Innovation dashboard
Updated 25 March 2010
We developed a dashboard of indicators to measure innovation performance in the West Midlands. The dashboard covers a range of measures including inputs to, links through, and outputs from various innovation processes.
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State of the Region Report 2009
Published 20 October 2009
This report brings together some of the key evidence from our State of the Region dialogues with a range of other information about the major issues facing the West Midlands. We link the themes to wider developments influencing policy and strategy.
Excel datasets of indicators are available and the data can be explored in interactive maps.
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Environmental technologies skills review
Updated 16 October 2009
We reviewed secondary sources of data and analysis for information on employer skill needs and the supply of training providers, qualifications and training courses. We also reviewed existing data sources for information on their employment profile, future workforce demand and skills issues.
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West Midlands regional integrated economic assessment
Published 7 October 2008
This work provided an assessment of the performance of the West Midlands economy and the factors contributing to it. It also assessed the relative position of different parts of the West Midlands.
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Image credits:
Workers installing solar panels by Wayne National Forest