POLICY PACE- SETTERS
Teesside University plays key role in policy think tank
The Tees Valley ’ s ability to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will depend on the UK government ’ s willingness to devolve key regeneration decisions to the regions .
This is the finding of PACE , a new think tank dedicated to the dissemination and discussion of Tees Valley policy research .
The findings have been endorsed by the former president of the Confederation of British Industry and chancellor of Teesside University , Paul Drechsler CBE , who has welcomed the establishment of PACE and called for policymakers to act upon its recommendations .
As well as academics from Teesside University , PACE brings together policy and communication experts from across the Tees Valley to produce policy papers , research and thoughtleadership to enhance the profile of the Tees Valley and help shape policy .
In the first report published by PACE , “ Post-Covid recovery – what now for regional growth ?”, Dr Nick Gray , a research associate at Teesside
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University and Dionne Lee , policy lead at PACE , argue that a Whitehallcentric approach to the aftermath of coronavirus risks failing to take into account the unique needs of regions such as Tees Valley , which could ultimately lead to the failure of the government ’ s levelling-up agenda .
The report makes the following recommendations and observations :
> Levelling up is a hazy concept in need of greater clarity on exactly what it is and where it applies .
> In the face of pressing economic challenges , regional policy must try to retain a focus on the long-term aspirations for economic growth .
> Regional and local actors should play a key role in economic recovery and growth – the government must trust them and provide them with proper resources .
> Aiming higher means looking further than well-worn regional development tools such as tax incentives and capital spending on eyecatching projects .
> The possibility of a wider spread of public spending on research and development could offer opportunities for the region to boost growth and address some of Tees Valley ’ s longterm social and economic challenges . > Low skills and skills shortages remain a challenge . Any levelling up conversation must prioritise investment in human capital and raising educational attainment at all levels .
Mr Drechsler said : “ As the United Kingdom develops plans to recover from the significant and long-term impact of the coronavirus , it is imperative that the government takes a highly effective and pragmatic approach and that policy can flex to support the unique needs , core industries and capabilities , and growth sectors of each region .
“ The impact of Covid-19 will be deeper and longer-term in certain areas , and this must be factored in if we are to achieve a swift and successful economic turnaround .
“ I am delighted to see this highlighted and to endorse the recommendations in this excellent new report .
“ I encourage policymakers to consider and take into account the expertise and insight across regions ,