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New investment zone in the West Midlands welcomed, but not without challenges.

Professor Simon Collinson responds to the announcement that 12 investment zones will be created near universities in England, including in the West Midlands.

15 March 2023•1 minute read
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This is very good news for the West Midlands and other regions in England. Government investments into industry clusters where we already have excellent universities, and a strong science and technology base, are welcome.

The first challenge is to leverage these funds to attract private sector investment and stimulate stronger economic growth across the region. The second challenge is to make sure that this growth is inclusive, by enabling smaller local firms to benefit and supporting up-skilling programmes to improve incomes in more deprived communities.

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Featured staff

  • Professor Simon Collinson

    Director of the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI) and City-REDI

    Simon Collinson is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Regional Economic Engagement and Director of the City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) at the University of Birmingham.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 414 9672
    Email: s.collinson@bham.ac.uk

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