Following consultation on the proposals outlined in the technical scoping study the Observatory, with funding from Advantage West Midlands, began the process of building a spatial model of the 34 local areas in the region.
Tenders were invited to deliver an Integrated Spatial Policy Model for the West Midlands. The call for tenders was issued by the West Midlands Regional Observatory on behalf of our partners in the West Midlands region.
The closing date for proposals was 2.00pm Friday 21st December 2007. We are happy to announce that we have awarded the contract to Cambridge Econometrics in collaboration with Prof. Peter M Allen, Head of the Complex Systems Management Centre at Cranfield University.
Timetable
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Stage
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Description
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Date
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Model specification and implementation
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This stage involves data collection and specification of integrated dynamic equations. Initial model limited to broad industries.
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March 2008
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Calibration and user consultation
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This stage involves consultation with regional experts to refine and modify initial model calibration.
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Mid May 2008
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Final model testing
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Model will be tested using real world scenarios.
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Mid June 2008
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User training and dissemination
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Training of model users in use and interpretation of outputs.
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Mid July 2008
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Background to the project
In recent years, increasing emphasis has been put on the regional dimension of policy making across a range of areas. These areas include economic development and spatial planning, which are governed by the two major regional strategies: the West Midlands Economic Strategy (WMES) and the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).
The recently published Sub-National Review further strengthens the regional and local authority responsibilities for regional economic development. One of the key proposals of the Review is a single integrated regional strategy which sets out the economic, social and environmental objectives for each region, combining a range of existing strategies (including the WMES and RSS).
The increasing importance of regional strategies in general, and the proposals for the integrated regional strategy in particular, have increased the demand for a shared evidence base to underpin all regional policy making. As part of this evidence base, there is a need for modelling capacity to provide evidence about the future direction of travel and to enable the impact of possible future interventions to be tested.
There are a number of ways in which models can support regional policy development:
- A strong evidence base as an essential component for regional strategies.
- Ensuring public investment policies deliver positive net benefits over time.
- Measures performance at regular intervals
- A model shared by regional organisations need to ensure strong partnerships and cooperation for delivery of strategies.
Aims of the project
The overarching aim of this project is to deliver a single integrated policy model for use across the wide range of regional strategies. The model will also provide local authorities and sub-regional strategic partnerships with a framework to examine the potential impacts of local delivery policies on neighbouring areas and the region as a whole.
We and our partners have agreed that a model that will be used across a broad group of partners is an important element for establishing a robust evidence base to support regional strategies.
Regional partners have previously commissioned models independently and from different sources. This has resulted in partners contributing to strategy evaluation using different methods and with differing assumptions.
The delivery of this model will provide regional and local stakeholders with an advanced modelling tool to support strategic decisions. The primary goal of the model is to explore the potential effects of alternative policy options. The tool will be used to consider the potential effects of policies on the socio-economic and physical environment.
Technical scoping report: framework for delivering the model
Determination of employment in the LAD model
The Observatory commissioned the Technical Scoping Report (PDF, 620 KB) study to identify and provide a full and costed technical specification for building and delivering an integrated spatial policy model that meets the requirements of the Observatory and our partners. The findings of this study provide the basis for our requirements for the model.
Accompanying the technical scoping report is a methodological review (PDF, 950 KB) of past and current integrated modelling projects. This review was undertaken by Cranfield University.