Observatory commissions research into regional supply chains, including impact of Covid-19 and EU exit

To better understand the driving forces behind Midlands supply chains, which are so vital to our regional economy, the Midlands Engine Observatory has commissioned a range of research projects.

Funded by the Midlands Engine and partnership contributions, the Midlands Engine Observatory provides comprehensive and contemporary data, analysis and intelligence on the whole of the Midlands economy in order to inform regional and national level policy and projects.

The Observatory has identified the region’s supply chains as a priority area for research due to the importance of manufacturing and exports to the Midlands’ economy, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and EU exit.

A supply chain refers to the activities an organisation needs to perform in order to deliver goods or services and will differ by industry.

The supply chains research projects will explore a range of topics including:

• Opportunities and challenges facing the Midlands
• Impact of the early stages of Brexit and Covid-19
• Resilience of advanced manufacturing supply chains
• Evaluation of supply chains in the medical technology sector
• Current state of low carbon supply chains

The findings of these projects will help inform policy-making decisions as well as add to the burgeoning knowledge base of supply chains in the Midlands Engine region.

Amongst the institutions taking part are the University of Warwick, University of Lincoln, Birmingham City University and Manufacturing Technology Centre.

A formal launch of the programme will take place on 15 January.

Work is due to be completed by the end of March with the findings shared with the wider stakeholder community at the Midlands Engine Observatory Quarterly Economic Briefing in April.

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