Five priorities for action
Turning ambition into action
The blueprint identifies five key priorities that will help accelerate the West Midlands' transformation into Britain's Reindustrialisation Region.
- Accelerating SME modernisation
Small and medium-sized businesses form the backbone of the regional economy.
Supporting these businesses to adopt digital tools, advanced manufacturing technologies, AI and low-carbon processes will help improve productivity and competitiveness.
- Commercialising innovation
The region produces world-class research and innovation.
The challenge is ensuring more ideas reach commercial markets and achieve economic impact.
Stronger connections between research institutions, innovators and businesses can help speed up this process.
- Rewiring the skills system
Technological change is reshaping jobs and industries.
A flexible skills system is needed to help people enter growth sectors, retrain throughout their careers and develop the capabilities employers need.
- Powering reindustrialisation
Future industries need reliable and affordable energy.
Investment in energy infrastructure, grid capacity and clean energy technologies will be essential to supporting future growth.
- Enabling social transmission
Economic growth should create benefits that extend beyond business performance.
The blueprint emphasises the importance of ensuring prosperity reaches communities through better jobs, improved wages and greater economic opportunity.