Inclusive and sustainable local economic performance evidence review

This evidence review summarises key policies and research related to inclusive and sustainable local economic performance, focusing on strengthening economic development partnerships within place. It examines inclusive and sustainable local economic performance, national and local policies, the varying capabilities and capacities in place, and lessons learnt from local partnerships to improve inclusive and sustainable economic performance, both UK-based and international. The review aims to inform the development of inclusive and sustainable local economic partnerships, through the identification of key challenges and demonstration of good practice. 

Policy makers and researchers should prioritise improving the evidence base, structure, funding, powers and resources of devolved national and sub-national governments to ensure that they have the capacity and capability to create transformational change. 

“The lack of clear structure, funding and resources is leading to poor capacity and capability in place and, as a result, impacting the ability of place-based institutions to create transformational change.” Alice Pugh, City-REDI Policy and Data Analyst.

Inclusive and sustainable local economic performance evidence review:

 


Please reference this paper as:

 Pugh, A. (2024). Inclusive and sustainable local economic performance evidence review. The Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub.

Alice Pugh

Alice Pugh joined City-REDI in February 2021 as a Policy and Data Analyst. She completed her undergraduate degree in BA Economics at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2019. As part of her undergraduate degree, Alice completed a sandwich year with the Department for Work and Pensions as an Economic Data Analyst, working with big data, creating dashboards and conducting evaluations.  She then went on to complete her postgraduate degree in MA Criminology at the University of Manchester. 

Alice’s areas of interest include economics, business case strategy support, sustainable economic development, resilience, public policy, inequality, socio-economic crime, drug policy and criminalisation and data visualisation. 

Publications

Developing Place-Based Green Industrial Policy in the UK

In this report, Ed Atkins argues that green industrial policy in the UK must be rooted in place. Through the review of cases of Vestas in the Isle of Wight, BiFab in Scotland, and Britishvolt in north-east England, he illuminates how gaps between political ambition and political economy have led

What Are Place-Based Business Cases?

This report explains what a place-based business case is and how such cases can support more effective, strategic, and accountable investment decisions across local and national government. Drawing on insights from the Green Book review and City-REDI research, this document outlines three potential purposes for place-based business cases: funding gateways,

Examining the Evidence on Place‑Based Research Partnerships: Towards a Set of Principles for Successful Partnerships

This evidence review brings together academic and practice‑based literature to understand what makes place‑based research partnerships work effectively. It identifies the outcomes these partnerships can deliver, the infrastructure and systems that support success, the skills and expertise required, and the behaviours and values that underpin strong collaboration. The review also