Unlocking Inclusive Growth: Challenges and Opportunities in Regional Economic Partnerships

A Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs) Insight Session

Set against a backdrop of the growing role of Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs) and regional delivery within Scottish Government, join us for an insightful exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by REPs in delivering economic development activities, with a focus on inclusive growth. The session will provide a deep dive into key areas such as housing, transport, skills, and repopulation or population issues, which are critical to the success of REPs. It will offer a holistic view by incorporating both rural and urban perspectives, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the unique issues and opportunities across different regions. Engage in interactive discussions, share experiences, and learn from real-life case studies presented by experts and practitioners.

Key Topics Include

• Rural and Urban Perspectives: Case studies highlighting the distinct challenges and innovative solutions in both rural and urban contexts.
• Challenges in Economic Development Delivery: including housing, transport, and skills, repopulation or population issues - critical pillars for inclusive growth within REPs.
• Exploring the potential for collaboration to drive sustainable development.

Who Should Attend?

The event is of wide-ranging interest but especially for those involved in or interested in economic planning, regional development, and public policy. Specific groups that would be interested include:

• Local and national government officials and policy makers.
• Business and industry leaders interested in the growth and opportunities within specific regions, and industry associations representing sectors key to regional economies.
• Academia, researchers and think tanks.
• Economic development and skills agencies and consultancies.
• Community and social enterprise groups.
• Investors and funding bodies.
• Trade Unions and labour market analysts

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction

15:00  Event Chair: EDAS Board Member and SLAED Chair, Ishabel Bremner, Economic Growth Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (5 mins)

Context: The Growing Role of Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs)

15:05  Anne-Marie Martin, Deputy Director, Regional Economic Development, Scottish Government (10 mins) 

Rural and Urban Perspectives: Case Studies Highlighting the Distinct Challenges and Innovative Solutions in both Rural and Urban Contexts

15:15  Highlands & Islands Regional Economic Partnership: Rob Clarke, Head of Policy, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (10 mins)

15:25  Andy Nichol, Head of Project Management Office, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, The City of Edinburgh Council (10 mins)

Challenges in Economic Development Delivery: A South of Scotland Case Study Focused on Housing, Infrastructure, Skills and Employment, Population/repopulation - Critical Pillars for inclusive Growth within REPs.

15:35  Isabel Conway, Strategy Manager, Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, South of Scotland Enterprise (15 mins)

15:50  Exploring the Potential for Collaboration to Drive Sustainable Development: Panel & Audience Discussion (+taking audience Qs for speakers) (30 minutes)

Facilitated by Ishabel Bremner

Panel Guests:

Jack Evans, Senior Policy Adviser, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Dr David Waite, Senior Lecturer (Urban Studies & Social Policy), University of Glasgow

Chair of Regional Enterprise Council, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, Garry Clark, Development Manager (East of Scotland), Federation of Small Businesses.

16:20  Closing Remarks – Ishabel Bremner (close 16:30)

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