Localis launches ‘Making of an Industrial Strategy’ research project
Following on from Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech on her government’s Industrial Strategy today (21 November 2016), the localism think tank Localis is launching its latest major research project The Making of an Industrial Strategy. To support this research Localis will be issuing a national call for evidence and liaising with a range of local and national bodies to promote the work.
The project will be supported by an independent advisory panel chaired by former Number 10 policy chief and current visiting professor at the LSE Paul Kirby.
The research will be published in full before the budget in March 2017 and offer clear direction on the projects, programmes and initiatives government should be supporting to bring life to the industrial strategy narrative.
The advisory panel members overseeing the Localis ‘Making of an Industrial Strategy’ project are;
- Paul Kirby, Visiting Professor at LSE and former Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit (Chair)
- Chris Leslie MP, Former Shadow Chancellor
- Gerard Grech, Chief Executive of Tech City
- Nick Baveystock, Director General of Institute of Civil Engineers
- Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
- Cllr Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council
- Marc Vlessing, Chief Executive of Pocket Living
- Cllr John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council
- David Frost, Chairman Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
- Ruth Duston, Chief Executive of Victoria BID
- Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London Southbank University
- Professor Rachel Cooper OBE, Distinguished Professor of Design at Lancaster University
Paul Kirby, Former Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit and Chair of the Project’s Advisory Board, said;
“The most effective industrial strategies have always been local, rather than national. Those local strategies are what defined the growth of each of our cities and counties – whether they focused on coal, tourism, brewing, banking, car-making, clothing, a port, food or engineering. Unfortunately, too many local areas are more defined by their industrial histories than their industrial futures. The existing debate about more infrastructure and more devolution is too limited. Our review will look across the world to learn how local areas, including some in the UK, have successfully redefined themselves with fresh, bold industrial strategies for the future.”
Liam Booth-Smith, Chief Executive of Localis, said;
“What will make this government’s industrial strategy different from previous ones is how they bring it to life. This project will not only pinpoint the strategic actions government should be taking, but will also highlight the projects that will make it real to communities. A big challenge for Theresa May will be in ensuring that voters can experience her vision working in practice.”
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Liam Booth-Smith, Chief Executive, Localis
0870 448 1530 / 07452 960753 / liam.booth-smith@localis.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
- Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. Since our formation we have produced influential research on a variety of issues including housing, local government finance and health and social care. We carry out innovative research, hold a calendar of events and facilitate an ever growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK.
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