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 the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC)

Over the past year, ECOTEC has supported the domestic and international work of the UK's Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) in order to promote learning and best practice in the creation of sustainable communities.  Research across 17 EU member states explored how effective leadership, inspired governance and creative partnerships have overcome problems and ensured great places are maintained.  Our findings provided the foundation for the first European Sustainable Communities Skills Symposium, which highlighted lessons for policy-makers and practitioners alike that skills are at the heart of place-making and there are opportunities for further collaborative working within the EU.

 

ECOTEC also assisted ASC in its research and best practice role as part of the Academy's overall remit to promote the creation of sustainable communities.  This work involved consulting with 42 of ASC’s partner organisations active in place-making and the sustainable communities' agenda. The research enabled a greater understanding of the research and evidence base available on the skills required for sustainable communities; the role and contribution of ASCs' partner organisations; and how ASC could add value.

 

The final report has been valuable in guiding the future development of ASC's research and best practice function in helping to create improved communities

james.sennett@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 36 00


Other projects in this Portfolio