Report

Revisiting productivity and innovation in the West of England

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Public Research looks at productivity and innovation in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority

This report investigates productivity and innovation in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and offers comparisons to other Mayoral Combined Authorities across England.

Using new microdata about the businesses in the region, the researchers analysed how productivity and innovation vary across characteristics like ownership, size and profitability. They found that while the firms in the West of England Combined Authority consistently have higher productivity levels compared to other combined authorities, the region falls behind on innovation.

The report also examined the motivations and perceived barriers to innovation in the West of England. It found that a significant obstacle to innovation in the region is the shortage of qualified personnel. Other key obstacles to innovation are reported to be lack of finance and the high economic risk.