Memorandum from Loughborough University
(EM 26)
SUMMARY
— Loughborough University considers that
emda has performed an important and valuable role in the
development of the economy in the East Midlands.— The University
welcomes the opportunity the RES gives to address the economic
and infrastructure planning on a regional basis, working across
the artificial and historical boundaries of local authorities.—
Both emda and the RES are important in enabling a wider
strategic view to be taken, an essential requirement in economic
development. The University is situated at the heart of the three
major cities of the East Midlands and relates to businesses across
the entire region.
— The University welcomes the new opportunities
for collaboration that new arrangements for local economic development
will bring, and hopes that the benefits of a strategic regional
approach will be not just protected but enhanced under the new
scheme.
— The University has good working relationships
with other regional bodies such as GOEM, and believes that the
increasing responsibilities of local authorities will make partnership
working in economic development policy more important than ever.
— The University, as an internationally
recognised research-intensive institution, is committed to also
playing a full part in the regional economy, and to deploying
its considerable expertise and capacity to support the well being
of those who live and work in the region.
SUBMISSION
1. It is our view that emda has produced
a good economic strategy for the region. emda is clear
about its role in the delivery of that strategy.
2. emda has established a number of actions
to ensure the strategy is achieved. One example of these are the
i-NETS.
3. The changes in role and responsibilities
of emda as a result of the Sub-National Review are just
being implemented and so it is not yet clear how the division
of responsibilities with other bodies, in particular with Local
Authorities, will operate in practice. However, it will be important
that the enhancements offered by the new arrangements do not come
at the expense of a genuinely strategic and regional view.
4. We are not aware of any problems of accountability
with emda.
5. We were impressed by the considerable
opportunity for stakeholders to take part in developing the RES.
This engagement occurred at a number of different levels.
6. In terms of the current economic situation,
many companies in the region are experiencing a downturn in business
and are making employees redundant. emda has responded
swiftly to the situation, reallocating resources to provide immediate
support (for example through the companies loan scheme).
7. This is a necessary response to immediate
circumstances, but it is essential that there is a return to investment
in support of long term strategic goals is essential as soon as
possible.
8. Changes to regional policy will inevitably
change the role and focus of emda along with other RDA's.
We expect this to be embraced as an opportunity both by emda
and those bodies with new statutory responsibilities for economic
development. We welcome the increased local oversight and direction
that the new arrangements will bring, although it is essential
that this is not at the expense of the ability to take a regional,
strategic view.
9. In the area of sustainability, emda
has played a key leadership role in the region. It has recognised
the strength of both the academic research base in this field
and also the number and range of businesses active in the field.
It's support for the successful submission to host the £1
billion Energy Technologies Institute was exemplary, in particular
the willingness to work closely with AWM (Advantage West Midlands)
on a cross-regional basis.
10. Indeed the development of the low-carbon
energy cluster at Loughborough, and highlighted during the recent
visit of the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Business,
are a clear example of the great benefits of the sustained and
strategic intervention that emda has deployed in areas
of special opportunity.
| 
