The Midlands Engine Observatory is an alliance of leading academic researchers and economic and industry experts, working together to deliver the regionally focused research and analysis our partners need to inform decision making and policy creation, for every part of the Midlands.
The only pan-regional Observatory in England, it ensures that we are evidence led and that we have a deep understanding of the issues impacting the Midlands.
The Observatory is funded by the Midlands Engine and our partners – in particular, our academic partners who co-invest in all the research we produce together. Experts are drawn from the Midlands’ own universities, partner institutions and private sector organisations, maximising the vast knowledge potential of our region.
Work is overseen and guided by a Programme Board, which in turn reports to the Operating Board of the Midlands Engine, ensuring partnership decision-making is underpinned by contemporary data and emerging evidence. The work of our Observatory continues to grow in breadth and significance; a critical driver of the pan-regional work we undertake, together.
The Observatory publishes data and intelligence for the benefit of policymakers across our region, designed to ensure our partnership is kept fully iformed with a growing, robust evidence base.
The Midlands Engine Intelligence Hub provides a single, interactive portal for a wealth of up-to-the-minute pan-regional data, research and expert insights. This unique tool can help to inform decision-making around key investments and policy formulation for economic and social benefit in the Midlands.
Key features of the Intelligence Hub include: new live and interactive data and power BI dashboards, spatial visualisations, intelligence briefings, insight pieces from regional experts, and commissioned deep-dive research.
The Midlands Engine Observatory Action Plan sets out our collective actions and aims to support our region through data, research, and insight.
As we work towards delivering the Levelling Up agenda, reliable metrics and insight become more important than ever. The Plan gives us the goals and direction we need as a region to understand Midlands-specific challenges and opportunities in terms of economic growth, to quantify our impact in collaboration and to inform advocacy for further investment where it’s needed most.
For the first time, the State of the Region report is available online as part of a dedicated microsite. Here, users can engage with the data supporting the report presented in a suite of PowerBi dashboards, interactive maps, intelligence briefings and in-depth analysis.
The Midlands Engine Research Partnership provides a forum for universities from across the Midlands to scope areas of research needed by the Midlands Engine, steer research, collaborate, secure external funding for projects and contribute to key policy reviews and strategy formulation for the Midlands Engine.
The Midlands Engine Intelligence Community (MEIC) is a forum for our valued partners to discuss and contribute to the work of the Observatory, hear updates on key research activities and share data and best practice.
If you are a data owner or engage with research and intelligence linked to any aspect of the Midlands economy, we would welcome your input to help shape the work of the Observatory and accelerate our work to grow our regional economy.
Latest News
Aug 15 2022
Robotics experts at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have developed an autonomous robotic rat which can scurry along underground pipes carrying out inspection work. The invention has the potential for cost and efficiency savings for utility companies as well as reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and preventing pipework leaks.
Read more
Transport
Aug 11 2022
New planning tool will help Midlands local authorities identify sites where new public EV chargers should be located.
Read more
Economic Opportunities
Aug 4 2022
More than £3.8m has been awarded to four Midlands companies as part of an aerospace innovation programme.
Read more