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.

Service Portfolio: Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

The South East RDAs commissioned ECOTEC to undertake the first ever examination of the the Higher Education sector’s contribution to the greater South East economy.

 

The study team reported to a high level steering group including the DTI and through 15 case study institutions including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial Universities, explored the wide ranging contribution made by both universities and public sector research establishments.

 

Our work explored the levels and types of innovation and knowledge exchange occurring and the factors affecting its spatial distribution.  The study involved a large desk review, e-survey of academics, supply-side consultation and demand-side analysis through a large business survey and critical discussions with regionally based, international innovating organisations.

 

The study enabled a better understanding of the mechanisms of knowledge transfer between HEIs and other sectors. It has played its role in strengthening national and regional policy interventions.

jag.pabla@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 36 00


Other projects in this Portfolio