We carry out research and support partners, such as the Regional Skills Partnership and Advantage West Midlands, in meeting their data and intelligence needs. Our research work includes:
This annual report highlights changes in the West Midlands regional labour market, key policy implications and challenges. The Assessment is accompanied by six sub-regional profiles.
An assessment of key skills and labour market issues for the rural West Midlands is due to be completed in early 2009.
Published: 7 October 2008
The West Midlands is the first English region to produce a Regional Integrated Economic Assessment.
This project aims to provide an assessment of the performance of the West Midlands' economy and of the factors which contribute to it. It also assesses the relative position of the different parts of the region.
Updated: 14 October 2008
We explored issues surrounding the utilisation of graduates in the West Midlands labour market. Specifically, we wish to understand issues affecting the attraction, retention and employment of graduates.
In October 2008, we published University Challenge (PDF, 0.5MB), our review of the West Midlands' knowledge economy and the demand for higher level skills.
Published: 31 March 2008
This project analyses progress in the West Midlands against the targets set out in the 2006 Leitch Review of Skills. We have set out the baseline position against the targets for the West Midlands as a whole and its sub-regions, establishing the 'scale of the task' to meet the targets for 2011 and 2020.
Published: 26 November 2007
We undertook a major study into the economic impact of migrant workers in the West Midlands. The results of the study are being used by the Learning and Skills Council to inform future provision of training and qualifications-related support for economic migrants. Results were also used by Advantage West Midlands in updating the West Midlands Economic Strategy.
We are developing an economic model for use by regional and sub-regional partners to improve the quality of analysis of regional policies. A successful model will support planning and policy evaluation, impact analysis, and enable investigation of potential changes in the future economic structure of the West Midlands.
In consultation with regional partners, we developed a framework of headline and outcome indicators used to monitor the progress of the West Midlands Economic Strategy, Connecting to Success.