Social sciences research makes a huge impact on the Midlands region

The Academy of Social Sciences, in partnership with eight Midlands-based universities, including the University of Birmingham, has today published a new report demonstrating the positive impact of social science research taking place in the Midlands, for the benefit of the region and its communities.

Social sciences in the region, for the region: the Midlands explores practical social science research that uses innovative, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary ways of working to bring real benefits to the region. The examples, from across the different Midlands universities, highlight the vital role of higher education partnering with regional government, businesses, and communities to stimulate opportunities for growth and respond to long-standing economic and social challenges.

The report comes at a time when social, economic, health, place-based, skills, and education issues are causing mounting challenges for regions across the UK, including the Midlands, whilst regional development is at the heart of UK Government policy. 

Dr Rita Gardner CBE FAcSS, Chief Executive of the Academy of Social Sciences, said: “This timely report demonstrates the power and importance of collaborative university research, led by social scientists, in driving and supporting growth, productivity and wellbeing in the Midlands. It is an excellent example of the collective positive impact that social science research brings to bear in the region, for the region.”

The case study from the University of Birmingham examines the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI). Designed as a source of research, contextual data analytics and trends, and intelligence, WMREDI aimed to inform and guide policy choices for regional and local policymakers by providing evidence-led analysis of the various challenges and issues facing the West Midlands.

By bringing together regional stakeholders, including the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), GBS Chamber of Commerce, borough councils, and universities, WMREDI has helped policymakers understand and navigate Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, has created economic assessment tools, and civic and social toolkits.

Professor Rebecca Riley, Co-Director – City-REDI, University of Birmingham, said: "We are proud to see the work of WMREDI featured in this important report, which highlights the transformative role of social science in shaping regional policy and investment. By working collaboratively with local stakeholders, our research has helped to inform decisions that directly impact the economic resilience and social well-being of the West Midlands. This recognition underscores the value of evidence-led approaches in tackling complex regional challenges and driving inclusive growth." 

Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams FAcSS, Interim Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham, who co-led the report, said: “In May 2024 the Vice-Chancellor and I hosted a meeting of regional PVCs for social sciences at the University of Birmingham. The CEOs of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Economic and Social Research Council issued a challenge: how can we better demonstrate the collective impact of social sciences across the Midlands? The result is this new report, sponsored by the Academy, which showcases at scale the lived benefits of social science research ‘in the region, for the region.’ As the government pursues devolution and a new industrial strategy, I am delighted that the pioneering work of the WMREDI – led by Professor Rebecca Riley and Professor Anne Green at the University of Birmingham – features so prominently in this landmark report.”

Social sciences in the region, for the region: the Midlands is a joint publication between the Academy of Social Sciences and Aston University, University of Birmingham, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and University of Warwick.