Our Research
Our research explores the issues that matter most to the people and communities of the West Midlands. From housing and communities, to infrastructure and the digital environment, we provide evidence-based insights to inform policy and inspire positive change.
We explore the policies, challenges, and opportunities shaping housing and communities across the Midlands. Our research focuses on building thriving, inclusive neighbourhoods where people have access to safe, affordable homes and resources they need to flourish.
Digital technology is transforming how we live, work, and connect. Our research examines how the Midlands can harness digital innovation to boost productivity, close the digital divide, and ensure everyone benefits from the opportunities of a connected future.
From transport networks to energy systems, infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving region. We investigate how the Midlands can develop sustainable, resilient infrastructure that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and enhances quality of life.
The role of think tanks is often misunderstood, especially when they delve into controversial public policy questions. Our role is not to push a particular position but to make people think
We want to improve the way people live their lives in the Midlands to create a “New Midlands”. This means finding better ways of delivering services that truly meet the needs of Midlands residents both now and in the future. It means using evidence-based research to generate new ideas and concepts which will make the Midlands a more prosperous place to live, work, study, invest and play in.
We are not a campaigning organisation and are not politically affiliated. Our independence will be based on providing accurate facts to those that need them and ensuring that our funding (both our core costs and research) is transparent.
As an independent organisation, we can ask the questions that others can’t. We can set the agenda for discussion in such a way that others may find difficult to do. We can bring people together in a way that other organisations may be unable to do.
We want to work with business; grant givers; third sector organisations and individuals who want to see the Midlands prosper and share our particular interests within the three major workstreams we have identified – Housing and Communities; Digital and Infrastructure.
The Centre for the New Midlands will:
- Commission and conduct outstanding research – with tangible recommendations for change/action
- Share our research regionally and nationally with key influencers and decision makers from all across the political spectrum
- Provide early career researchers with a platform to demonstrate their outstanding research capabilities
- Host forums and conferences to bring business; third sector; researchers and policy makers together
- Invigorate energised debate through opinion pieces from business, social and political leaders