The Productivity Institute Launches South West Productivity Forum to Drive Inclusive Growth and Innovation

The Productivity Institute is proud to announce the official launch of the South West Productivity Forum, a new initiative based at the University of Bristol aimed at tackling the region’s unique productivity challenges and supporting sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Chaired by Ben Pykett, PwC’s Market Senior Partner for the South West, and led by Professor Palie Smart, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Civic Engagement at the University of Bristol, the Forum brings together academic, business, policy and civic leaders to drive evidence-based solutions tailored to the South West’s needs.

The South West is a region of contrast – home to thriving cities, as well as rural and coastal communities facing persistent economic and infrastructure challenges. The Forum will focus on addressing key barriers to growth, including:

• Economic inequality and innovation gaps, especially in rural and coastal areas;
• Housing affordability pressures, with house prices significantly outpacing wages;
• Transport and digital infrastructure shortfalls, limiting access and opportunity;
• Skills and health disparities, particularly affecting older populations;
• Climate resilience, supporting the region’s ambition to meet net zero targets by 2030.

Forum Lead Professor Palie Smart said:

“The Government’s new Industrial Strategy presents an opportunity for innovation through place-based collaboration in the South West and I look forward to The Productivity Institute’s South West Productivity Forum evidence-based policy making for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

Forum Chair Ben Pykett also commented:

“I am delighted to have been asked to chair the South West Productivity Forum. The region already boasts some impressive growth stories and there is significant potential for more. However, we also need to ensure that all parts of the region, its people and its communities from all sections of society get to benefit from this success.

“Delivering inclusive growth will require deliberate action across the public, private, education and community sectors and I am excited to see how the forum can help support the collaboration required to achieve this.”

The Forum will work in close partnership with businesses, local authorities, Mayoral Combined Authorities, including the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Futures West and Brunel Centre at University of Bath and University of West of England. It will support place-based innovation, investment in high-value sectors, and the development of green jobs and skills.

Bart van Ark, Director of The Productivity Institute, welcomed the launch, saying:

“The creation of a dedicated Forum for the South West reflects our commitment to regional collaboration. By bringing together research, business insight and local policy expertise, the Forum will help ensure that the South West’s voice is heard in national productivity discussions and that local solutions can have national impact.”

The South West Productivity Forum will also contribute to The Productivity Institute’s broader research agenda and ensure the region’s challenges and opportunities are reflected in the UK’s economic future.

To learn more and follow the Forum’s work, visit the South West Productivity Forum webpage.

The Productivity Institute is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.