We are responsible for helping the region to develop better access to well organised information. We do this to improve the quality of strategy and policy making so that the region can provide services based on better information.
We carry out our own research, monitor the progress that regional strategies are making, and support partners, such as the Regional Skills Partnership, in meeting their data and intelligence needs.
Recent and ongoing projects include:
Impact investment locations
Published 13th July 2010
We've worked with consultant Reiver 128 to analyse 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 regional economic growth.
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West Midlands economy post recession
Published 29th June 2010
This research provides insight into existing and likely future skills needs in the West Midlands. It considers the changing needs of the region's economy and labour market as it moves out of recession and helps inform decisions of employers, individuals and skills providers.
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Download full report (pdf, 844kb)
Worklessness in the West Midlands: the impact of demographics and multiple risk factors
Published 7th June 2010
Research exploring 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 23rd March 2010
We were commissioned to undertake a study into the evidence about relationships between places within the West Midlands. The aim of the work was to help us to understand sub-regional geographies within the West Midlands, based on functional relationships. The research will assist development of Local Economic Assessments and contribute to the evidence base for the new Strategy for the West Midlands.
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Growth into a low carbon economy in the West Midlands
Published 8th March 2010
A low carbon economy is one where businesses deliver products and services while reducing their level of carbon emissions. This research project 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 12th 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 sub-region. It focuses on recent trends, the impact of recession and prospects for recovery.
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Innovation dashboard
Published 11th December 2009
We developed an innovation dashboard (pdf, 882kb) to measure the region's innovation performance. The dashboard covers a range of measures of innovation performance, including inputs to, links through, and outputs from various innovation processes.
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State of the Region Report 2009
Published 20th October 2009
This report brings together some of the key evidence from the State of the Region dialogues, a new process we started in 2008, with a range of other information about the major issues facing the West Midlands. We link the themes to wider developments influencing regional policy and strategy.
We provide Excel datasets of indicators and the data can be explored in interactive maps.
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Environmental technologies skills review
Updated 16th October 2009
We've 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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Summary report: key findings, issues and recommendations (pdf, 477kb)
West Midlands regional integrated economic assessment
Published 7th 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.
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Image credits:
Workers installing solar panels by Wayne National Forest