Levelling up? Implications and impacts of changing geopolitical landscapes for the UK's economic geography

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Geography

Abstract

This Fellowship aims to provide independent analysis of the changing nature of the UK's economic geography as it responds to a number of significant geopolitical changes including

- the new post-Brexit UK-EU trading relationship and the UK's evolving trade strategy with other countries outside the EU
- changes in global supply chains, partly related to Brexit but also shaped by the ongoing post-Covid economic recovery
- energy price shocks related to the war in Ukraine
- political commitments to deliver a net zero economy by 2050.

Not all of these developments are unique to the UK. However, the particularities of the UK economy means that its response differs in important ways to other international comparators.

In particular, the Fellowship examines how these geopolitical changes are impacting the UK economy in regionally uneven ways. This is important because recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that between January and March 2022 London's economy grew by 1.2% but at the same time, all other regions apart from Northern Ireland are yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels. This suggests that the Government's ambitions to 'level up' the UK post Covid could be difficult to achieve with longstanding regional economic inequalities potentially become further entrenched.

In response, this Fellowship aims to provide independent and rigorous analysis of the regional implications of geopolitical changes on the UK's economic geography. The Fellowship will combine analysis of secondary reports, policy documents, social scientific research and official data with real time tracking of economic performance across the UK and in-depth qualitative research in five contrasting locations across the UK (Belfast, London, Milton Keynes, Teesside and Mansfield). By adopting a comparative approach, the Fellowship will be able to evaluate what lessons can be learnt from different regional development policies and suggest ways in which policy interventions can be best developed to address the UK's uneven economic geography in the future.

The Fellowship aims to

1. Synthesise understandings of the impacts of the UK's changing geopolitical landscape for its economic economy

2. Chart the ongoing changes in the regional development of the UK economy in real time

3. Transfer and disseminate knowledge, analysis and understanding to a range of stakeholders within the UK and internationally including politicians, journalists, civil servants, local policy makers, businesses, civil society and the UK public thereby raising the profile of UK social science

4. Enhance and extend the work of the UKICE hub beyond London to the regions, working closely with the Director, UKICE's office and other fellows

The Fellowship will involve working closely with a range of stakeholders at the national and local level as well as members of the UK in a Changing Europe research network. This includes the Cabinet Office, the Treasury, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the City of London Corporation, the London Assembly, The Midlands Engine, Local Economic Partnerships and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland.

Outcomes will be shared and discussed with policymakers, practitioners, journalists, civil servants and the wider public through: a state of the art report on the UK's contemporary economic geography, regular blog and social media reports, seminars across the UK and materials for Schools. Findings will also be shared with interdisciplinary academic audiences in economic geography, sociology, international political economy and British politics through a series of peer reviewed academic papers.

Related Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Award Value
ES/X005593/1 31/12/2022 29/09/2023 £627,194
ES/X005593/2 Transfer ES/X005593/1 30/09/2023 29/05/2026 £506,546
 
Description This research examines how levelling up and wider policies are being used to address longstanding regional inequalities in the UK economy. Research findings are most fully developed through case study work in London and East Anglia.

In London, the project provides qualitative insights into what the 'squeezed middle' as a socio-economic group is and how it is getting by through a period of low economic growth. Meanwhile greater Cambridge and Milton Keynes has been identified as a key area for targeted growth measures by the current government. Our research reveals the often hidden side of low growth within what has been identified as a high growth region and reveals how households are taking steps to manage their economic security in this situation.

Taken together, these findings demonstrate the economic inequality can be found in high growth parts of the UK that are often overlooked within the wider policies aimed at addressing regional inequality, including those associated with levelling up.
Exploitation Route The research shows the importance of understanding inequality within high growth regions when developing policy to address regional inequality and levelling up in the UK.
Sectors Creative Economy

Financial Services

and Management Consultancy

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology

 
Description The research findings are being used by the Principle Investigator through feeding into regional growth plan development in an English City region through work on an advisory group with local policy makers.
First Year Of Impact 2024
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Creative Economy,Education,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
Impact Types Cultural

Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description Blog post on financial services regulation
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or improved professional practice
URL https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-edinburgh-reforms/
 
Description Invited oral evidence given to the Greater London Assembly on the impact of Brexit on London's economy
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact The session examined the impacts of Brexit on London's economy. As a result of the session, the Committee used my evidence to make recommendations to the mayor which can be found here https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-work/london-assembly-publications/impact-brexit-londons-economy.
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSMVd2kVZ4
 
Description Invited presentation to the Finnish Parliamentary delegation in Westminster on the future of the UK economy in light of Brexit
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact The session demonstrated the value of research in developing better policy making.
 
Description Invited speaker at European Policy Centre on 'The cost of war: implications for the EU-UK partnership'
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact See above
 
Description Invited speaker at Westminster Business Forum policy conference: next steps for green finance in the UK.
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
URL https://www.policyforumforni.co.uk/forums/agenda/Green-Finance-22-agenda.pdf
 
Description Masterclass delivered to the FCDO on Brexit and Financial Services Trade
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact The seminar updated FCDO staff on the latest developments in Brexit for financial services.
 
Description Research reported in The Sunday Times on the economic impacts of Brexit.
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
URL https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/is-brexit-ukraine-or-covid-to-blame-for-our-economic-woes-zpnwlhx...
 
Description Special Advisor to House of Lords European Affairs Committee
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact I provided input into the inquiry from scoping, witness calling, questions to witnesses and report drafting.
URL https://committees.parliament.uk/work/6514/ukeu-relationship-in-financial-services/
 
Description Analysis of Edinburgh reforms for financial services 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A blog setting out the impacts of the Edinburgh reforms on UK financial services.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-edinburgh-reforms/
 
Description Anglo-Dutch Diagloue 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited speaker Anglo-Dutch Financial Services Dialogue with City UK at the Embassy of the Netherlands
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description BBC Radio Five live interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Undertook a radio interview on BBC Five live with Tony Livesey examining the uneven implications of the higher cost of borrowing for the UK government.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description BBC Radio 4 pm programme 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interviews on the PM programme by Evan Davies in relation to regional growth and the 2024 election.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description BBC news appearance 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview on BBC news regarding the Draghi Report on Competitiveness
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description British Chamber of Commerce 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited speaker British Chamber of Commerce, Germany on UK-EU relations after the 2024 General Election
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description City Talks podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interviews on the City Talks podcast about the implications of London's economic dominance for regional growth in the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.centreforcities.org/podcast/city-talks-professor-sarah-hall/
 
Description Co-presented of UKICE I tell podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Share recent research findings on the UK's post Brexit economy and politics with wider audiences.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://soundcloud.com/user-941630307
 
Description Expert analysis on the regulatory impacts of Brexit on the UK logistics sector 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact With Martin Heneghan, I contributed the chapter on logistics to the report, Regulation after Brexit revisited and spoke at its launch event at The British Academy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Finnish Parliamentary delegation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited presentation to the Finnish Parliamentary delegation on the impacts of Brexit regionally in the UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Greater London Assembly oral evidence 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited oral evidence given to the Greater London Assembly Economy Committee on the impact of Brexit on London's economy. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSMVd2kVZ4,
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-work/london-assembly-...
 
Description Inveted panelist for live event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited panellist on UKICE lunch hour discussing the challenges facing the 2024 government
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcZKzooMyjY
 
Description Invited briefing to the Swedish Parliament 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact 30 members of the Swedish finance committee were briefed on the uneven nature of growth of the UK economy post Brexit.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
 
Description Invited oral evidence to the constitution, Europe and External Affairs Committee, Scottish Parliament. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact written and oral evidence provided to this committee on the uneven economic implications of the upcoming Trade and Cooperation Agreement review between the UK and the EU.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Irish Food Board 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited speaker at trade board event examining the economic implications of the UK-Irish trade flows post Brexit.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description LBC Radio 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited guest on LBC Radio to discuss Rishi Sunak's Global Investment Summit,
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation to the Royal Society of Edinburgh and financial services practitioners 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on te impacts of Brexit for financial services, particularly in Scotland.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Speaker at launch event of report on the effectiveness of devolution to deliver economic growth in the UK. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact I was an invited speaker and contributor at the launch of the Institute for Government Report 'How can devolution deliver regional growth?'
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/devolution-deliver-regional-growth
 
Description Swedish Parliamentary delegation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited presentation to the Swedish Parliamentary delegation on the changing nature of UK-EU relations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description UKICE live lunch hour broadcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited panelist for UK in a Changing Europe lunch hour event on the current position of UK trade and its regional implications
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DndzKe8nqLQ&list=PL9k8KRazpLGWJ7kVgaOFeW-I0sVJaRq_-&index=6
 
Description We Society podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Appeared on the We Society podcast examining regional growth with Will Hutton.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Written and oral evidence on the impact of Brexit on UK financial services delivered to the UK Trade and Business Commission 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact I provided oral evidence in an online evidence session supported by written evidence of their work examining future trade deals and the UK economy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY1Txh98k1o
 
Description written evidence provided to the Department of Business and Trade 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Written evidence provided to the DBT work on developing UK's 2025 Trade strategy, including the implications for uneven growth in the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025