Themes

Regions

Competitiveness 

"Globalisation and technological change mean that regions and localities need the tools and incentives to build on their indigenous assets so that they can respond quickly to changing economic circumstances if they are to increase prosperity". Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration.

Enhancing the competitiveness of regions and of businesses lies at the heart of economic development strategies within both the UK and the EU. Yet the challenge remains on how to deliver this.

Regions are increasingly the engines of the global economy. At the heart of successful regions are competitive firms. But competitiveness is more than just a strong economy - it is also about the distribution of the benefits of economic success. 

ECOTEC can help you: 

  • Assess the strengths of the business base in the area;
  • Understand the strength of the region's capacity for R&D and innovation, and how this can be improved;
  • Understand how skills and expertise can promote competitiveness;
  • Analyse the strengths of your region and compare it with others;
  • Develop evidence-based strategies for promoting competitiveness;
  • Develop practical bids for funding from national and European initiatives;
  • Support the implementation of programmes and policies. 
  • Assess the impact of policies, interventions and future trends - through application of the REMI-ECOTEC Model

 

ECOTEC acts at the interface between firms and regional governance. We advise on interventions that might support the development of a competitive firm base in order to promote a sustainable higher standard of living across the region. 

We operate at all policy-making levels, so our key local knowledge is informed by a deep understanding of European, national and regional priorities. 

We can deliver the full range of our services in any of our regions in this theme.

Theme Portfolio: Evaluating priority clusters and industries in Scotland

As pioneers in developing industrial clusters back in the early 1990's, Scottish Enterprise has spent nearly 15 years in designing, developing and implementing cluster interventions.

 

ECOTEC was commissioned to undertake a wholesale national review of the rationale, effectiveness and learning points from Scotland's cluster strategy and interventions. The work required a major review of each of the 15 priority industries supported including creative industries; energy; chemicals; textiles; forestry; construction; tourism and food and drink. Each industry review built on a desk based review to consult with industry beneficiaries, stakeholders, deliverers and intermediary bodies.

 

Our study produced a composite report from each individual cluster assessment and helped to inform the future direction, reprioritisation and management of cluster and sector activity in Scotland. It resulted in a reallocation of resources for a new and refined industry policy.

chris.ralph@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 36 00


Other projects in this Portfolio