News Editor Ronia Royce reports on City-REDI’s most recent milestone
The University of Birmingham’s research institute, City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) , marked its ten years milestone since its establishment on 28 January, reflecting on a decade of research aimed at understanding and supporting the regional economic development of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Founded in 2015, City-REDI was created to provide evidence-based research, analysis and policy support for regional and local stakeholders. Over the past decade, the institute has become a key contributor to the West Midlands policy landscape, working with organisations such as Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to contribute analysis to inform decisions across the region.
Over its first ten years, the institute, with its multidisciplinary team of researchers, has secured £18 million in research and partnership funding, which the University reports represents a 3:1 return on its investment
Figures released by the University show that City-REDI has delivered 141 projects alongside key stakeholders and partners. These projects have supported the development of business cases linked to more than £89 million in funding for Birmingham and the wider city region. The institute has contributed research and analysis to a range of strategic initiatives, including Devolution Deals, Local Industrial Strategies and Towns Fund bids.
Over its first ten years, the institute, with its multidisciplinary team of researchers, has secured £18 million in research and partnership funding, which the University reports represents a 3:1 return on its investment. This funding has supported research examining major economic challenges, including the impacts of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
Professor Rebecca Riley, Co-Director of City-REDI and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Regional Engagement, said: ‘Our success has always come from partnership. Over ten years, we have worked hand‑in‑hand with local authorities, the Combined Authority, national departments, business organisations and communities to build a stronger evidence base for the region… to improve lives across the West Midlands and beyond.’
During this period, the institute produced a weekly West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor, which tracked developments in employment, business activity and household finances, used extensively by the then Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA, local government to develop responses
Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director of City-REDI highlighted one of the institute’s most visible contributions, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the pace of economic change created an urgent need for up-to-date evidence. During this period, the institute produced a weekly West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor, which tracked developments in employment, business activity and household finances, used extensively by the then Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA, local government to develop responses.
One outcome informed by this real-time research was the £644m fund for businesses with cash flow issues or struggling to secure loans for investment during the pandemic.
Beyond short-term responses to economic shocks, City-REDI has also examined longer-term structural changes in Birmingham’s economy. Research shows that between 2016 and 2023, Birmingham’s economy grew by 36.3 per cent in real terms, broadly in line with growth across the wider city region.
Equally, the region’s industrial profile shifted; Birmingham is increasingly moving away from manufacturing and production towards service-based industries such as health and social work, education, and financial and professional services. City-REDI research suggests these changes mirror national trends.
Another key development shaped by City-REDI’s research has been the creation of the West Midlands Innovation prospectus, ‘a single, unified prospectus’ outlining over £19 billion of investable opportunities across the region
City-REDI’s analysis also contributed to successful bids for national funding. The West Midlands received a £66 million allocation from the Getting Building Fund, which was used to accelerate infrastructure projects across the region. Additionally, research from the institute meant that the WMCA was able to accelerate £1.5bn planned infrastructure projects, such as new tram and rail lines that inject extra money into the economy and create new jobs.
Another key development shaped by City-REDI’s research has been the creation of the West Midlands Innovation prospectus, ‘a single, unified prospectus’ outlining over £19 billion of investable opportunities across the region. Being the most ‘investable’ region outside London, the combined authority said Tuesday’s Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham would give the region and others the chance to showcase their potential to global investors.
The prospectus aims to grow the economy by £17 billion, create 100,000 new jobs, and deliver 120,000 new homes. These objectives are supported by ‘long-term plans for net zero transition, transport connectivity, and placemaking, ensuring investment,’ raising living standards for communities across the West Midlands.
The institute now comprises almost 30 staff members, alongside a wider network of fellows and associates, and Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, added: “City-REDI has become a vital part of the West Midlands policy landscape… [and] is exceptionally well placed,’ As City-REDI enters its second decade, the institute is positioned to continue shaping evidence-based policy and supporting inclusive economic growth across Birmingham.
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