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: Supporting South West Science and Industry

ECOTEC provided technical assistance to support the set-up phase of the newly formed South West Science and Industry Council of leading regional industrialists and institutions of learning. Chaired by the then President of Rolls Royce Defence Division, Colin Green OBE, we prepared technical papers for Board sessions, identifying the implications and opportunities for the region from the national technology strategy, and we provided guidance and briefings to inform thinking about current science and technology matters such as opportunities from EU FP7. In addition, we prepared a questionnaire for city based partner organisations to conceptualise, scope and explore the potential of Bristol's recent designation as a Science City.

 

Our work included the planning and preparation of a highly successful conference to launch the SWSIC attended by leading technology firms, the South West science community, the Director-General of the Research Council, Sir Keith O'Nions and facilitated by TV presenter Phillipa Forrester.

jag.pabla@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 3600


Other projects in this Portfolio