Building momentum in Birmingham and beyond

This event was in Birmingham.

The West Midlands has played a pivotal role in British history as a manufacturing hub, driving innovation and economic growth which led to dramatic improvements in people’s living standards. But its city region has struggled to maintain this role over recent decades, and productivity is now 11 per cent below the national average. Both Britain as a whole, and the region itself, need a more successful Birmingham, and successful cities and towns across the wider region. But that will require significant change – on everything from transport and jobs, to how many people live there and where they live.

What would a more productive West Midlands look like? Is there a plausible strategy for the region – and Birmingham in particular – to reach that point, and how does it differ from the current policy approach? What difference could the planned expansion of public transport make? Should housing continue to be prioritised in city centre land use decisions? And how should we expect success – and change – to impact different kinds of residents?

The Resolution Foundation is hosting an in-person and interactive webinar – as part of The Economy 2030 Inquiry, funded by the Nuffield Foundation – to debate and answer these questions. Following a presentation of the key report highlights from a new report, alongside the findings from a deliberative workshop with local residents, we will hear from leading experts on how to deliver greater – and shared – prosperity for the West Midlands.

The event will be open for people to physically attend, alongside being broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website. Viewers will be able to submit questions to the panel before and during the event via Slido. This project is being run in collaboration with Centre for Cities.