Skip to main content

Economy and Innovation

Rebuilding our economy for a better future

The West Midlands was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. We have long been the nation’s engine room, driving economic growth through innovation and hard work. Now we want to lead a new, green revolution and create thousands of new jobs in digital innovation. This will help boost the economy and ultimately improve life for all who live, work, and play in the West Midlands.

Our region is already leading work on several new technologies in the UK. The West Midlands is the test site of autonomous vehicles and 5G. It’s home to the Energy Systems Catapult, which is working to move the UK to a low-carbon energy system. We also have world-class science, energy and technology parks. These distinctive strengths are globally competitive and are what sets us apart from other regions. By utilising these strengths, we can regain this growth momentum.

We want to rethink and rebuild the economy to build a better future for everyone in the UK.

To do this, we’re focusing on:

  • Digital innovation
  • Building a net-zero economy and creating thousands of green manufacturing jobs
  • Maximising job creation for local people from HS2 and other unique West Midlands opportunities
  • Developing infrastructure - building better digital and transport links
West Midlands Combined Authority Logo

Portfolio Holder

TBA

TBA

West Midlands Combined Authority Logo

Lead Officer

TBA

TBA

What we're doing

Focussing on digital innovation

We're helping businesses and public sector organisations to learn about 5G. We have 5G innovation centres in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton.

Building a net-zero economy

By prioritising green growth, we can Build Back Greener, and achieve our ambition to be a Net Zero region by 2041.

Creating jobs from HS2

By making the most of these opportunities, we can unlock inward investment into infrastructure and maximum growth in the wider UK economy.
Find out what we're doing in your area

Economy and Innovation programmes

Brindleyplacecanalside

UKSPF

Learn about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Digi Innovation 2 Digital

Digital Innovation

Learn how we're changing the region

Bike Life Friargate, Coventry

Net-Zero Economy

Learn how you can get involved

Centenarysquare

Economic Analysis

Read the latest WM REDI report

WMCA Centenary Square 41

WM Innovation Accelerator

Forging relationships between government and our region

Portway Lifestyle Centre (1)

Health Inequalities

Join workshops focusing on the potential for health devolution

Victoriasquare Birmingham

Plan for Growth

Learn about our plans to drive economic growth

Latest from Economy

IMG 6305 Sharpened

15 November 2023

Afro haircare entrepreneur raises £530,000 after turning down Dragons Den deal

A first-time entrepreneur has taken her afro haircare business from being valued at £125,000 on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den programme to £3 million in just...

Social Economy Drive 2023 Logo

07 November 2023

Mayor backs Social Economy Drive 2023

A week of workshops, networking, conferences, roundtables and expert knowledge-exchange collaborations to promote the region's social economy...

Cyberuk

24 October 2023

Major cyber security conference coming to the West Midlands

Mayor welcomes news that CYBERUK - the UK’s flagship cyber conference - will bring thousands of the world’s leaders in global cyber security to the...

See all Economy and Innovation news stories