Manchester joins in evidence quest

Planning, 4 July 2008

Manchester is engaging robustly with the challenge of regional competitiveness with the launch of a £1.3 million evidence-building programme. The Manchester independent economic review (MIER) aims to analyse the city-region's economy and inform decision-making at all levels. It will then provide a definitive benchmark against which to measure progress.

Key spatial issues for future development are urban agglomeration, connecting infrastructure, the distribution of development for social and economic cohesion and economic links to the wider region. These need to be set in the context of the marked imbalance in regional growth in the UK. The studies commissioned for the MIER seek to shed light on the policy levers that can position Manchester in terms of global competitiveness.

They are accompanied by a call for evidence on the current economic base available in Manchester and how to engage stakeholders in strategic policy formulation. Respondents are asked to consider how the MIER conclusions could be factored into their organisation's work.

The review will build on that foundation by collecting new sets of statistics and other robust data, as well as innovative modelling of Manchester's economy. This includes a survey of more than 1,500 firms in the city-region and analysis of detailed micro-level national statistics.

The work concludes at the end of the year with a series of detailed studies and an overarching report which will bring together the findings and set out a range of policy choices for Manchester's future development. These will be presented through an exhibition, roadshow and series of events to discuss and communicate the conclusions of the review.

The funding partners are the Manchester Innovation Fund Partnership Investment Board, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, the Learning and Skills Council and the North West Improvement Network. The commission will have the support of a secretariat at Manchester Enterprises led by Rupert Greenhalgh.

Writing in the Financial Times, review leader and Royal Bank of Scotland chairman Sir Tom McKillop explained: "The review is only one aspect of a larger story. A radical new governance structure is being put in place across the boundaries of ten local authorities in areas such as health, housing and economic development. This is exactly the sort of strategic thinking that bears fruit down the line - in this case the long-term sustainable growth that every city wants. No other city, however, is going about it in such a developed way."

Jenny Crawford is RTPI head of research. For more information on the call for evidence, which closes on 25 July, and the review see www.manchester-review.org.uk.