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5 Appendices
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA), with the Scenarios are plausible and coherent stories of the future.
support of the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA), They are not predictions or forecasts. They have been
has used a scenario planning approach to help inform the described as, a vehicle for envisioning where the world
review of the regional economic strategy for the East of could go so that we can learn in time to do something
England. The process was been highly participative. It was different.1
based around a series of workshops, held across the
region. Through these events, more than 50 organisations The purpose of scenario development is to increase the
have made an active contribution to the development of the range of possible thoughts an organisation or group of
regional economic strategy. Appendix 5.2 lists the people can have about the future. This enables it to
organisations that attended these workshops. develop a shared language about threats and possibilities
and to rehearse responses to change. In turn, this
Collectively, this process has helped build understanding of increases speed and flexibility of response when the
the key drivers that could impact on the regions economic environment does change.
development. These were then used as the basis for
building a set of diverse but plausible possible future The purpose of the exercise is not to predict the future, for
scenarios for the region. The scenarios were subsequently that is impossible without knowing all of the variables, but
explored and their implications for the region analysed to to explore a number of wide ranging possible futures and
help identify the key issues for the regional economic assess their implications for an organisation, or in this
strategy. case, the East of England.
1
Schwartz, P. (1998): The art of the long view, (p 163), Wiley, Chichester
Page 4 Overview of the scenario planning process
Developing scenarios:
enables the region to identify what can be called finally, they enable the region over time to future-
strategic imperatives (strategic issues which are proof its strategy, by assessing it against the
common across all or the majority of the scenarios and underlying drivers of the sustainable economic
which therefore should be addressed regardless of development of the region. When changes occur in the
which future scenario is most valuable or most drivers, it should be better prepared and able to modify
achievable) its strategy accordingly.
The more divergent the scenarios - the greater the scope for exploration and challenging conventional wisdom
Explore,
rehearse But the scenarios
and test are still only a tool
to help to get
to the policy
Predict and
provide
The scenario planning exercise began in September 2003 This research enabled a pack of almost 50 key drivers and
with initial research into the issues and context of the issues to be assembled, which were felt to have a
region, in order to assemble a set of key drivers and issues potentially significant impact on the region and its long
for the region. term economic development.
Drivers are defined as major forces or trends that will Whilst accepting that drivers will cut across many
shape the future environment within which the region categories, for ease of comprehension, they are set out in
operates. Issues are typically structural issues which affect the following section under the STEEPO categories:
the regions ability to respond to the drivers. Drivers and
issues were included which the region has little or no Social
influence or control over, as well as some that it can Technological
influence to some degree.
Economic
Income inequalities between the rich and poor have Distribution of Household Income in East of England, 2001
increased in the developed world in the last 20 years.
Across the UK, top managers pay rises continue to be
well in excess of the average and income is continuing
to rise faster in better-off areas.
The widening gap in income levels between the rich Ward ranking based on the Index of
and poor is particularly acute in some parts of the Multiple Deprivation, 2000
region. While unemployment in the East of England is
one of the lowest in the country and regional GDP per
head is higher than the national average, these Cromer
Norwich
The Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000 highlights the Great Yarmouth
Peterborough
significant variation levels within the region eg. Great
Lowestoft
Bury St Edmunds
Deprivation often occurs in pockets smaller than Cambridge
Luton
Population growth
World population is forecast to continue growing rapidly Change in population between 1991 and 2001
over the next two decades. However, all the expected
growth is set to occur in the developing world.
According to the UN, the UK population is expected to
be relatively stable over the next twenty years.
Regional planning guidance for East Anglia and South Source: Census 2001, Office for National Statistics
East proposed an additional 204,400 dwellings in
Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and an additional
235,800 dwellings in Bedfordshire, Essex and
Hertfordshire between 1995 and 2016.
Ageing population
According to the Performance and Innovation Unit, the Proportion of houses with pensioners living alone
UK population will age in the future.5 This is confirmed
by Population Ageing Associates who state that the
projected changes over the next two decades for the
75-84 and 85+ age group in the East of England are
over 30 per cent and around 40 per cent respectively.6
5
Short Survey of Published Material on Key UK Trends: 2001-2011, Performance and Innovation Unit, 2001
6
Implications of an ageing population for the sustainable development of the East of England, Population Ageing Associates, 2003
7
Regional Social Strategy: A strategy to improve the opportunites of everyone living and working in the region Consultation Draft, EERA, 2003
Page 8 Driver development and analysis
The East of England benefits from a net In addition, there is a large out-migration of the 15-24
in-migration of 20,000 per annum. Most migrants come age group from the East of England. The region is a net
from London looking for a lower cost of living whilst exporter of graduates, and the percentage of graduates
8
continuing to work in London and do not therefore staying in the region is below the national average. This
contribute to the regional work-based GDP. is a particularly worrying issue as this group is
important for the continued vitality of the region by
Although commuters from the East of England
bringing in new ideas and economic innovation.9
contribute in the region of 10 billion to the London
economy, these commuters can nevertheless
contribute to the local economy by spending their Percentage of First Degree Students remaining in region
earnings in the region. for study (excludes distance learning) 2000/01
Regional social capital creates community networks, In addition to urban areas, formal and informal
which can encourage sustainable locally led networks could also be a significant issue for rural
regeneration. The East of England scores highly on parts of this region, enabling market towns and rural
social support indicators, for example 66 per cent of communities to work together more effectively.
people aged 16 or over reported having five or more
people they could turn to in a crisis above the
national average of 58 per cent.10 The EU Local Social Capital Pilot programme found the
following benefits were reported by beneficiaries of social
These support networks are valuable in helping people capital building project grants 2002
to try something new, the results of which can help the
regional economy, for example through small business Percentage reporting:
generation. In addition social capital can lead to new
forms of social enterprise, which can provide services Improved employability confidence 50-70%
and employment opportunities where gaps exist in the Improved skill levels 45-70%
local economy.
Established a new business 40-85%
The regional social economy is large and growing or found employment
larger, with a current annual turnover in the East of
England of around 3bn.11 Source: EU Local Social Capital Pilot Programme
8,9
East of England Framework for Regional Employment and Skills Action (FRESA), EEDA, 2003
10
Peoples perceptions of their neighbourhood and community involvement: Results from the social capital module of the General Households Survey 2000,
Office for National Statistics, 2002
11
Mapping the social economy in the East of England, The Guild, 2001
Driver development and analysis Page 9
Household fragmentation
Surveys forecast that the average size of the UK Number of households and average household size in
household (2.34 people) will fall to 2.24 by 2011 whilst Great Britain, 1951-2001
the number of one-person households will increase.12
The UK has seen steady growth in its ethnic minority Distribution of ethnic groups within region, per cent
population in the last decade. However, proportions of
almost all minority populations in the East are below
the UK average and are growing at a slower rate 4
per cent of the regional population, compared to 8 per
cent nationally.14
12
Britain in 2010, Richard Scase, 2000
13
Projections of Households in England 2021, Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, 1999
14
Region in Figures: East of England, winter edition 2003, Office for National Statistics
15
FRESA Background Paper: Labour Market Analysis Annex A, EEDA, 2002
Page 10 Driver development and analysis
To achieve competitive success, the region needs to Whilst the regions proximity to London gives easy
attract a talented, creative workforce to support all access to world-class cultural events and locations,
sectors. Current research suggests that diversity (of many feel the region does not have a metropolitan
culture, backgrounds and lifestyles) is likely to lead to feel. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the East of
innovation and economic success.16 England is still perceived by some as traditional, self
satisfied and conservative in outlook.
Todays talented and creative people can be encouraged
to relocate, but many have high expectations of the
places where they choose to live. These requirements
include a high quality of public space and facilities,
heritage and culture, as well as a more tolerant liberal
and outward looking community.
Population densities vary widely throughout the East of Regional population densities
England, from 440 people per square kilometre in
Bedfordshire to 143 in the rural areas of Norfolk (the
national average is 376).17
16
The Rise of the Creative Class: And How Its Transforming Work, Leisure Community and Everyday Life, Richard Florida, 2002
17
East of England Rural Development Programme: East of England Chapter, Section 1.3.1, Defra
18
Urban and Rural Prioritisation in the East of England, DTZ Pieda Consulting, 2002
Driver development and analysis Page 11
A rising number of people are taking holidays in various Percentage of regional area designated as National
regions of the UK. Park/Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Building homes not just houses - Development of housing, public space, and facilities
The East of England has one of the fastest growing Housing affordability in East of England (yellow and light
populations amongst the English regions. blue areas indicate those with likely affordability problems)
19
Perceptions of the East of England, MORI, 2000
Page 12 Driver development and analysis
At a total UK level, average earnings are rising but job Changes to working practices are becoming much
satisfaction has fallen by 8 per cent in the last decade. more contentious, and workplace negotiations are
moving from command to contract. This is linked to
The Whats in it for me? attitude is now about more
certain trends, such as the rise of weekend work,
than money, and expectations of non-pay related
part-time/temporary work, and overall, the greater
rewards have grown, especially among graduates.
emphasis on service industries within the UK economy.
Source: Working in Britain PSI/LSE, 2000 Source: Working in Britain PSI/LSE, 2000
In small rural communities, public transport can be People in the East of England are among the lowest
crucial for maintaining links to other areas capable of users of public transport as the main mode of
providing the services and employment that are lacking transport to work.21 This is partly because connections
in the immediate area. between key market towns and east-west routes need
to be improved.
Poor public transportation creates social exclusion and
can contribute towards a sense of apathy and inertia There is a perception that public transport in the region
with regard to seeking employment or education that is is of bad quality, with congested and unreliable rail
provided elsewhere. links to London and elsewhere, and with sporadic and
infrequent bus services.
20
Planning for Consumer Change, The Henley Centre, 2000
21
Regional Trends 38, Office for National Statistics
Driver development and analysis Page 13
Increasing technological capability often leads to higher Percentage of Total Employee Jobs in the High and
complexity. For example, 15 years after its launch, Medium High Technology Sectors
Microsoft Word used 74 times more lines of
programming. Coupled with an increasing dependence
on technology, this has led to a shortage of skilled IT
workers able to manage/operate the necessary
systems.
Network society
In both social and economic spheres, interactive ICT take up in East of England (percentage of all businesses)
technology is opening up a world of connectivity and
convenience. Good high-tech infrastructure will enable
the region to be a competitive global player and
improve productivity levels.
Globalisation is a major influencing factor of the future It is recognised that the advancement of globalisation
economic and social environment in which the East of and EU enlargement cannot necessarily be influenced
England will be operating. directly at a regional level, but the region can play a
role in adapting to global changes and influencing the
Removing barriers to free trade and moving further into
local impacts of globalisation.
a global market place opens up new markets for East
of England companies, but also increases competition
in key sectors for trade and inward investment.
Globalisation of the labour market is already having a As with the globalisation of trade, it is recognised that
direct impact on employment in the UK and the region, the advancement of this trend cannot necessarily be
especially seen in terms of outsourcing/relocation of influenced directly at a regional level, but the region
call centres and other service sector jobs. can play a role in adapting to global changes and
influencing the impact of globalisation.
In the East of England, call centres, customer service,
manufacturing, financial, IT and other business
services are significant areas of employment which
could potentially move elsewhere.
The East of England has fewer large cities than other The paradox is that, despite plans for further
regions. However, Cambridge is internationally expansion, Cambridge already shows signs of
renowned and a recent poll identified the city as a key over-development. Yet, compared to driving cities of
strength of the region. It has been suggested by some, other regions, Cambridge seems underpowered rather
though, that there is an institutional over-emphasis than overpowered.
on Cambridge.22
22
Perceptions of the East of England, MORI, 2000
23
The Cambridge Phenomenon - Fulfilling the Potential, Greater Cambridge Partnership, 2003
Driver development and analysis Page 15
Growth of the service and knowledge sector - The so called soft economy
In line with the trend in many western economies over Percentage of employee jobs by industry
the past 30 years, there has been a clear structural
change in the UK economy, away from employment
in manufacturing and towards employment in the
service sector.
Increasingly, the UKs economy revolves around In today's knowledge economy, which is based on
creating, sharing and using knowledge and information innovation, know-how, content and brands, it is the ability
to create wealth and improve peoples quality of life.24 to create, protect and exploit intellectual property that sets
a company apart and allows it to trade successfully.25
The East of England has a particularly strong
knowledge heritage. Competition for knowledge
specialists is set to grow, and companies and regions
will have to work harder to provide specialists with
incentives to stay.
24
UK competitiveness: Moving to the Next Stage - DTI Economics Paper no 3, DTI, 2003
25
Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, November 2001
Page 16 Driver development and analysis
Debt levels are rising in all UK regions 43 per Current levels of spending may also be unsustainable,
cent agree with the statement: I am happy to have and could be reduced in future due to high levels of
short-term debt to allow me to buy the things I want.26 consumer debt.
The East of England region has a strong R&D base with Expenditure on R & D as a percentage of
the highest private sector R&D expenditure as a regional GVA, 1999
percentage of GVA amongst the English regions.
The East of England has relatively high levels of Patents granted, by region, 2000
entrepreneurship, but a recent SBS survey27 highlighted
a lack of would be entrepreneurs.
26
Planning for Consumer Change, The Henley Centre
27
Household Survey of Entrepreneurship, Small Business Service, 2001
Driver development and analysis Page 17
The structure of the East of Englands business Percentage of employment by size of business
community is dominated by a large proportion of SMEs,
which broadly reflects the national picture.
The East of England has a relationship of high Much of this wealth makes it way back into the region
inter-dependency with London. in terms of consumer spending. However, the
expansion of London puts pressure on infrastructure
A significant proportion of those that live in the East of
development in East of England.
England commute elsewhere for work, and those who
commute to London contribute in the region of 10
billion to the London economy. This represents around
10 per cent of wealth created by those who live in the
region and can be as much as 25 per cent in some
sub-regions.
More students are entering further and higher Percentage of young people aged 21 qualified to
education than ever before across the UK. at least NVQ level 3
The East of England has a relatively strong Skill shortage vacancies as a percentage of total
performance in pre-16 education. However, there is a employment, 2001
worrying drop-off in performance in post-compulsory
education, with particularly low participation in higher
education.
Employment in the agriculture, forestry and fishing Rural industry: employment in tourism, agriculture and
sectors represent 2.5 per cent of the working food processing (dark = higher density of employment)
population in the East of England (the national average
is 1.8 per cent). However, in certain rural areas (eg.
North Norfolk), this sector makes up 8.3 per cent of
total employment.29
The number of air passengers continued to rise Airport infrastructure could create new dynamism and
throughout 2002 and 2003, and the trend is predicted to reinforce the international status of key parts of the
continue in the future. region, bringing new investment and growth from
improved international connectivity.
Both of the largest airports in the East of England
(Luton and Stansted) are also undergoing rapid However, growth in air travel can bring about negative
expansion and further development. environmental effects.
28
FRESA Background Paper: Labour Market Analysis Annex A, EEDA, 2002
29
East of England Rural Development Programme 1999, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
30
An analysis of the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy Mid Term Review Proposals on the East of England Region,
East of England Development Agency, 2003
Driver development and analysis Page 19
The East of England has three significant container Major transport routes and gateways in the East of England
ports: Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich. Felixstowe Airport
Motorways
A140
Kings Lynn
many of the regions ports are planning developments Railways
A47 Great
Yarmouth
A10 Lowestoft
A11 A143
A1(M) A141
A14 A12
A428
Ipswich
A1
M11
Felixstowe
M1 Stansted Harwich
A120
Luton
A414
M25
Southend
Shellhaven
Tilbury
Although the south area of the East of England region Regional share of UK Treasury expenditure on transport
is well connected to the rest of the country, with vital between 1996-2002
connections to the M11 corridor, overall the region
suffers from lack of east to west transport routes, and
a lack of connectivity to other major UK road and rail
transport routes.
There is a widely recognised need to provide land for Local areas often demonstrate a NIMBY attitude to
business development and growth throughout the this issue, refusing proposals for new development
region, but there are very few brownfield sites available involving local land.
for further development.
Much land in the region is green belt or designated
Potential business developments are often crowded protected land (eg. it is prime agricultural land, MOD
out by the higher prices that housing developments owned or a Site of Specific Scientific Interest).32
command.
31
South East England, London and East of England Regional Ports Study: Final Report, South East and Anglian Ports Local Authority Group, 2003
32
Regional Economic Strategy sub-regional study, Bone Wells, 2002
Page Driver development and analysis
The East of England has qualitative advantages in Thinking about the future, how would you describe
terms of its built and natural environment, and a your view of quality of life in this part of the country in
number of other quality of life indicators. the years to come?
Environmental technologies
European and government regulations will increasingly While recognising that other countries are also
put pressure on businesses to operate in more increasing their activities in this field, the development
environmentally friendly ways. of environmental technologies could be a crucial
growth area for the East of England, and there is
Globally, the environmental technology industry is
potential for the region to become a centre of
forecast to grow each year as consumer demand for
excellence and world leader based on its strong R&D
environmentally friendly technologies increases.
base and high level of expertise in this area.
Driver development and analysis Page 21
Waste
The Government aims to reduce industrial and Household waste recycled or composted per person
commercial waste landfill to 85 per cent of 1998 levels in 2001/2
by 2005. The number of landfill sites is now declining,
while the costs of using landfills are rising.
Manufacturing industries are facing rising waste
management costs.
Climate change
UK climate change is predicted to be particularly The region is likely to experience hotter, drier summers
significant in the East of England. and wilder winters. Higher temperatures may result in
more severe crop damage due to increases in insect
Water shortages may become a real issue for the
and fungal populations.33
region, while increased storm intensity will have
significant implications for flood events and coastal Climate change has already had an impact, with a 0.5
processes. Low-lying coastal regions are likely to be degree Celsius temperature rise in the last 150 years,
affected by increases in sea and freshwater flooding and a rise in flash floods.34
and coastal erosion.
33
East of England Rural Development Programme, 1999, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
34
Regional Quality of Life Counts, 2002, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Page Driver development and analysis
Expansion of the European Union seems certain to take However, expansion also increases access to new
place for political reasons only the timing and scale is markets, adding a further 100 million consumers to the
in doubt. scope of the single market.
Central Europes cost base is much lower than the Enlargement is expected to bring about five million
UKs, and this is likely to increase competition in migrants to Western Europe by 2020.
traditional sectors and markets, particularly
A potentially negative implication of enlargement is that
manufacturing, engineering, agriculture and food
it is likely to reduce the share of EU Objective 2 and 3
processing.
structural funds that is allocated to the East of England.
The Britain in Europe campaigns sponsored report Increases in imports/exports could also have an impact
calculated the opportunity costs of not joining the upon the role of the ports in the East of England.
Euro-zone at 120bn over two decades from lost
On the other hand, Euro-zone economies have not
investment and lost trade.
performed well since their inception. The wider
However, recent polls suggest that two-thirds would benefits are not yet clear and it remains uncertain
vote against joining in a UK referendum; the Swedish whether a single EU monetary and financial policy will
no vote may reinforce these views. suit all EU regions.35
Regional devolution
The precise nature of regional government is still a Do you want a referendum about establishing an elected
subject of debate. Although there has already been regional assembly in your region?
created a Scottish parliament, Welsh and Northern
Irish Assemblies, the concept is not actively supported
by all political parties.
35
Eurobarometer 58, December 2002, BBC Opinion polls
Driver development and analysis Page 23
Regional identity
Unlike other regions, the East of England is a relatively Which regional name do you most associate yourself with?
recent invention.
Intra-regional rivalry
Despite efforts on the part of regional partners, there Others see the East of England as too small or
remains a perception that fierce local rivalries and underpowered to compete on its own, and they would
competition exist within and between East of England view co-operation with other regions or sub-regions as
sub-regions. Disparate economic interests, difficulties the key to their own future success.
and aspirations of different areas are also central to
Such rivalries further inhibit the promotion of the East
this perception.
of England as a coherent region, and make clear and
The aspirations of particular towns and cities to focused leadership difficult to achieve.
establish themselves in their own right, and the lack of
a clear unifying regional identity, further exacerbates
the issue.
Regional leadership in the widest sense, which Regional leadership is particularly important in terms
includes the private, public and third sector should be of providing a clear regional focus on key issues in
a catalyst for the East of England. order to overcome local rivalries, promote
collaboration, and raise aspirations.
Responsibility for economic development has shifted
from a national to a regional focus.
Page Driver development and analysis
The Government believes that public/private The presence of big company headquarters in the
partnerships could inject an innovative and greater southeast would increase the viability of this
entrepreneurial approach into public services. strategy within the East of England.
National priorities on regional spending - Too successful for your own good?
The current round of government PSAs places a heavy Single Programme budgets, 2002/03
focus on closing regional performance gaps.
36
Identifying the flow of domestic and European expenditure into the English regions, Nuffield College Oxford, September 2003
Driver development and analysis Page 25
The workforce is becoming more diverse: by 2010, less Social class of working age population, 2002
than 20 per cent of the workforce will be comprised of
white males under 45 in full-time work.37
The UK workforce now has an equal share of men Gender distribution of UK workforce
and women.
37
Labour Force Survey, 2002, Office for National Statistics
38
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor: United Kingdom 2002, London Business School
Page Driver development and analysis
The rising importance of flexible businesses - Flexible business processes, services & organisations
New types of flexible businesses are very important to Shorter product and service lifecycles as well as more
the regions economy, given existing assets and global flexible workforce and manufacturing processes are
competition in more traditional areas of business. required to encourage higher turnover and cope with
Rising to this challenge would be a big part of the demands of variety and just in time delivery across a
regions response to globalisation. range of sectors and markets.39
Many sizeable enterprises today are comprised of Employees are seen as partners in enterprise,
smaller organisational and technological units. The especially those who have specialists skills and can
trend towards outsourcing is driven by a need to cut change employer more easily. One view is that
costs, harness best expertise, and sharpen focus on management's role is therefore changing to one of
the central business. facilitator/trainer rather than controller/supervisor in
many areas.40
There is a trend towards IT and financial outsourcing in
big organisations, and an increasing use of business Companies no longer rely on hierarchy and command as
consultancy. prime sources of direction and control. They have responded
to turbulence and fluctuations in demand by empowering
There is some speculation about the death of
employees, establishing cross-functional teams and
traditional big organisations and related top-down
taskforces, outsourcing non-core functions and focusing on
hierarchical employer/workforce relationships.
processes rather than product lines.40
39
Regional Economic Propects: East of England Profile, Cambridge Econometrics
40
Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, November 2001
Driver development and analysis Page 27
The drivers assembled through the initial research were Entrepreneurship and enterprise
presented at two stakeholder workshops. The purpose of Gaps in the skills base
the workshops was to determine which drivers people felt
Growing importance of the service and knowledge
would have the biggest impact (whether positive or
sector
negative) on the regions economic development over the
next 15-20 years. Workshop participants were asked to rate Importance of knowledge specialists
each driver for its relative importance. Surface transport infrastructure and connectivity
Environmental technologies
Regional leadership
3 SCENARIO DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING
The priority drivers were assessed in terms of their relative and with other parts of the UK and international
impact on the other short listed drivers. This dependency markets. The poles of this axis were labelled as
analysis identified: minimal growth of infrastructure, representing a state
where only current or planned infrastructure
Those drivers that are dominant and therefore have a developments were completed, with little or no major
major impact in terms of affecting change; improvements to road and rail networks, and
development constrained to existing Brownfield land,
Those drivers that are dependent and therefore are
with minor improvements to international gateways; and
relatively uncertain in their impact, as they tend to
rapid growth in infrastructure a state where the focus
follow change.
of national transport policy had shifted in emphasis and
major improvements to both international gateways,
The drivers that are both relatively dominant/important and
road and rail networks were in place, with implications
also relatively dependent/uncertain give greatest scope for
for use of some green-belt land.
creating divergent possible futures. The dependency
matrix resulting from this analysis is shown Figure 1:
The relative balance of the regions economic focus,
picking up issues around development of new
Figure 1
technologies, the R&D base, pace and detail of
globalisation, skills development, rise of the knowledge
economy and changing nature of manufacturing and
associated skills, workforce and cultural issues. One
end of this axis was labelled exporting ideas with the
primary focus and expertise in the region being in new
research, ideas and knowledge generation in the region,
without necessarily leading to indigenous business
growth, with goods and services based on these ideas
tending to be made elsewhere. The opposite extreme of
this axis was labelled building businesses intended to
represent a state where the regions economic focus was
more based in building businesses and adding value
through innovations in business processes and high
management skills, and not necessarily so dependent on
new product or service ideas.
The drivers that emerged from this analysis as being both
relatively dominant and relatively dependent (those in the
top right quadrant, shaded in the above table) were then
clustered and synthesised to generate two axes or Based on these two axes, short scenarios or potential
dimensions to create a framework on which the scenarios futures were developed for each of the four possibilities
could be developed. The two axes that developed were using combinations of the extremes of each scenario axis
based on the key clusters of linked issues that emerged (see figure 2). It was recognised that parts of each of these
from this process: scenarios could play out at different times in different parts
of the region. The real future probably lies in some
Relative pace and quality of infrastructure development, combination of these wide ranging possibilities.
picking up issues relating to the development of
international gateways, high speed data connections,
and the relative connectivity of the region, both internally
Scenario development and testing Page 29
Scenario 1: Scenario 2;
Rapid growth in infrastructure; Rapid growth in infrastructure;
Building businesses Exporting ideas
Building Exporting
businesses ideas
Scenario 3: Scenario 4;
Minimal growth in Minimal growth in
infrastructure; infrastructure;
Building businesses Exporting Ideas
Minimal growth
in infrastructure
This scenario had attractions in terms of maximising leadership, a new focus for national policy (especially in
economic growth, promoting a new coherent regional relation to transport) and a rigorous and proactive future
identity, bringing new jobs and higher salaries, and also planning framework, determining which areas of the region
higher aspirations to the region, along with the potential would be used for residential development, which for
for new opportunities in coastal communities. However, it business developments and where future transport
had a number of negative consequences in terms of social infrastructure would be located. The growth, and expansion
and environmental sustainability, There was debate for of the commuter belt across the region was also raised in
example about whether such high and rapid growth would this scenario. Other issues included the potential pressure
increase social polarisation between the haves and the on public services and the fact that this scenario relied on
have-nots in society, or whether this wealth creation a healthy global economy and the retention of continued
would in fact provide opportunities for social inclusion. foreign investment in the region. The scenario presented
There was however consensus that this scenario could the biggest change for the region, presenting the greatest
increase the potential development of green field sites for challenges, but also potentially the greatest opportunities
business, social and transport infrastructure, and loss of in terms of regional economic development.
affordable housing and associated community in rural
areas. It appeared that the key preconditions for this
scenario to be achieved and seen in a positive light by the
region were a strong sense of regional identity and
This was a scenario which had major advantages in terms communities. It could lead to an extremely undesirable two
of reinforcing the regions reputation as an international tier labour and housing market whereby knowledge
centre for innovation and knowledge, and increasing the workers, the majority of them arriving from outside the
growth around its international gateways. Some felt this region, thrived and bought good quality housing, leaving
scenario would lead to a two tier labour market, with the low skilled priced out of the housing market and with
knowledge workers thriving but, with globalisation meaning little option but to find work in low-level service sector
that products would be designed here, built elsewhere, a professions. There may be little to keep young people in the
lack of suitable jobs for many in the region. Major region in this scenario. There were split views on how
polarisation in society could result if the R&D base did not desirable and sustainable the scenario was, with differing
lead to spin off manufacturing and engineering activity, views in differing parts of the region. Some did not feel the
particularly for those in the south and west of the region. economic growth would benefit the majority of the
Although some areas in the north of the region may remain indigenous population of the region, and growth would be
relatively unspoilt and retain potential for tourism, relative vulnerable to changes in the global market and
rural isolation was thought likely to increase under this competition from other regions. Others felt the prospect of
scenario. Equally inhabitants of major urban conurbations business and universities working together represented the
may not benefit, with house prices likely to spiral, as they best way forward, building on the regions unique selling
became little more than dormitory towns for the knowledge point (USP), but all recognised that to succeed the regions
workers and London commuters. Major polarisation would knowledge would need to be top of the class, as there
result from this, both between and within local would be no prizes for coming second.
Scenario development and testing Page 31
This was seen by many as a slower growth scenario than remained about where jobs would come from without a
others, and for many a scenario which reflected the current major influx of new entrepreneurial talent and improved
status quo in some parts of the region, with no really big transport and social infrastructure in the region. Without
business, and rising congestion remaining key factors. For these improvements in road and rail networks, and greater
many people, many of the existing problems in the region provision of health, education and affordable housing in
would remain unresolved in this future which a number many areas, economic stagnation and the outward
described as a do nothing scenario. Some felt it was not a migration of young people were seen as major risks.
desirable end state but perhaps a more sustainable and Growth was felt to be limited to tourism and leisure
achievable staging post on the way to reaping benefits in opportunities in the north east of the region (which many
a more attractive alternative over the longer term, due to thought would effectively become a playground for the rest
the investments made in skills leading to new indigenous of the region), some creative micro businesses succeeding
business growth. Regional identity was weaker in this in less populated areas of the region, and new employment
scenario with external perceptions of the region, both related to current plans for airport and port expansion.
nationally and internationally, unchanged. The north of the However, there were question marks about employment
region and rural and coastal communities would remain opportunities in the main urban areas. Despite claims of
isolated in terms of travel and young people would move lower polarisation there were concerns that the region
away, but they would increasingly become attractive homes could go backwards and simply become a thoroughfare and
and second offices (facilitated by ICT), for small creative commuter belt for the main population centres to its south
businesses. The quality of the environment was largely and west.
retained, with potential benefits for tourism, but questions
This scenario was considered by many to be the closest to areas. In many ways it was thought this would represent a
the current status quo. Some felt it to be the closest to the future in which the region would be attempting to live on
basic planning assumptions made when developing the landscape tourism and university spin offs alone, perhaps
current strategy for the region. It was also considered by with the gradual introduction of a few new lifestyle
most to be the best in terms of preserving the natural businesses established by those migrating from London
beauty of the landscape and environment in the region. It is and elsewhere.
therefore somewhat surprising that it was considered by
the majority of stakeholders to be the least attractive of any It must be emphasised that the scenarios that emerged
of the four scenarios for the region as a whole. Strengths from this process do not represent the policy views of
were seen in the growth of new universities, or the merger either The Henley Centre or EEDA. Nor do they represent
of/collaboration between existing ones, to create more mutually exclusive alternative choices or opposing visions
regional centres of excellence. However, the relative lack of that the region could adopt. They are simply intended to be
new business growth and focus on a few higher a series of divergent but plausible possible views about
educational establishments caused many to raise issues how the future might play out in the East of England in the
concerning the lack of local skills and entrepreneurial period to 2020.
talent in the region, as well as stressing the importance of
improving local road and rail infrastructure. There was
thought to be a high quality of life for those in the region
who could afford it under this scenario, but this was by no
means extended to all, with major shortages of well paid
jobs, affordable housing and social infrastructure in key
4 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND
ACTION PLANNING
In the final scenario development workshop, which took The outcome of these discussions are summarised in the
place in December 2003, stakeholders were asked for their table below.
initial views on the risks and opportunities for the region
under each of the scenarios.
Risks: Opportunities:
Market doesnt respond to new levels of skills and Could lead to stronger regional identity and recognition
infrastructure common vision and brand
Lack of social and cultural infrastructure Growth could help to facilitate social inclusion
Risks: Opportunities:
Risks: Opportunities:
Risks: Opportunities:
reduce polarisation and raising aspirations identify, develop and promote key sectors
attract and retain young people, talent and skills develop and exploit the regions R&D and knowledge
improve ICT infrastructure and skills develop the regions tourism and leisure offer
improve the regions skills base build and enhance the regions global reputation
improve transport infrastructure
increase house and related social infrastructure
Page 34 Strategy development and action planning
Reducing polarisation and raising aspirations they were. This was especially important for rural areas,
where ICT could create new opportunities, although some
This was seen as a key objective, as polarisation was felt ICT provision would inevitably always be better in urban
viewed as increasing in all of the scenarios, albeit in areas. Others were slightly nervous about the region
slightly different ways in each. Different views were remaining reliant on central provision of ICT. All recognised
expressed as to whether the regional economic strategy the region would face new ICT problems in the future as
should focus on encouraging economic entrepreneurship the level and type of communications evolved over time,
alone, as some felt that this would encourage social and felt therefore that more of a focus should be given to
cohesion. However, this idea that growth could itself ICT skills, given that the new economy was likely to dictate
facilitate opportunities for social cohesion was contested by that these would be required for almost all types of future
many who felt that a more direct interventionist approach employment. Skills and infrastructure should be developed
would be required to address issues of social exclusion and in parallel in order to be effective. A view was also
polarisation in parts of the region. Improving social expressed that advances in ICT could potentially help to
infrastructure and cultivating regional social capital were recreate a sense of community in rural areas.
seen as a crucial part of any economic strategy if it was not
to increase the polarisation of some parts of the region.
These were also crucial to improving the confidence of Improving the regions skills base
those living in those communities, allowing them to
become less risk averse, raise their aspirations and This was a priority that was mentioned throughout the
potentially increase the entrepreneurship shown in these discussions, given the nature of the importance of human
communities, and bring more economic activity into the capital in the future economy. Particular gaps that needed
formal, rather than informal, economy. to be addressed were IT skills, core business management
skills and high level technical skills. Shortages of key
workers were also mentioned (plumbers, construction
Attracting and retaining young people, talent workers etc), in relation to a number of the scenarios.
and skills The lack of entrepreneurs was also an issue, linked to the
aspirations of people in the region. This lack of aspiration
The young (especially graduates) were seen as a crucial was seen as a key blocker on the development of new
group of people for the region to retain and develop. The skills. There was also a particular skills issue in relation to
regions population is increasingly ageing, and some of the the ageing population in parts of the region, who were felt
scenarios suggested larger numbers of skilled young by some participants to be less able or willing to reskill or
people leaving, rather than staying, in the region. This was be retrained.
seen as a particular issue for the north and east of the
region, where rural and coastal areas were increasingly
being viewed as retirement communities with pockets of Improving transport infrastructure
deprivation which were almost no-go zones for young
talent. The high cost of housing, lack of large cities and The development of improved transport and ICT
lack of large employers offering potentially exciting career infrastructure was identified as a key uncertainty and used
opportunities in the region was seen as a limiting factor. as an axis for scenario development. The views expressed
The need for a University in Suffolk was also mentioned in in the workshop emphasised the importance of improving
the scenario development sessions. There was also a transport links within and between parts of the region, and
question mark about whether the region was sufficiently between the region and the rest of Europe and the global
attractive for young entrepreneurs, who may have a economy. The Government White Paper announcement of
different interpretation of quality of life from that presented the planned new runway at Stansted and expansion plans
by much of the region, which lacked any real core cities. for Luton airport was also welcomed by most of those
One or two participants suggested the region was too participating in the workshops, as this was seen as a
boring to attract these potential entrepreneurs. crucial precondition if the region was to make the most of
its knowledge base and geographical position as a gateway
to Europe. It was also felt that a number of small
Improving ICT infrastructure and skills improvements to road and rail networks, particularly
eastwest connections, would be beneficial over the longer
Most people felt that plans to address current issues term, focussing on improving the internal connectivity in
relating to broadband access would be resolved over the the region, and external connectivity of the region to other
long term, but should remain a priority for the region until parts of the UK.
Strategy development and action planning Page 35
New innovative, and environmentally sustainable solutions creating hubs and clusters of new sustainable businesses.
to local community transport issues were also required, It was felt that the region had a great opportunity to build
particularly in and around the key towns and cities and in on existing strengths to make the most of its existing
isolated parts of the north and east of the region, if the natural resources, improving resource productivity within
natural beauty of the regions environment was to be the region and become a global leader in this area.
maintained against the likely increase in population and However, the region would have to move fast to take the
related commuting patterns. Public/private partnerships opportunity or it would risk not only losing out on the
were suggested as an approach to this issue. Others felt comparative advantage many felt it currently had, but also
the creation of a new dedicated transport corridor in the become a net importer of these technologies from
region would be an alternative approach, made possible elsewhere.
through the new spatial strategy perhaps. However, it is
also important to note that a significant number of people, Other areas mentioned as a strength and offering future
while acknowledging the sub-optimal state of regional potential for growth included plant and biosciences,
infrastructure, still felt that the region could do a lot biotechnology, and a more general move to creating
without major large-scale improvements. Others felt that sustainable housing, transport solutions and other
without these improvements the region would continue to infrastructure in the region, in an attempt to make the
be a thoroughfare for through traffic. The potential for region the green capital of Europe. This tied in with a
developing new economic growth hubs around expanded number of related thoughts about the quality of life
gateways and also improving the regions tourism offer available in the region being one of its USPs. In all areas,
were mentioned as important. the discussion emphasised the need for the region to take
action fast (today not tomorrow) to exploit the potential in
these areas, or others would step into the breach and the
Increasing housing and related social region would lose out.
infrastructure
Under each of the scenarios, London was seen as a Developing and exploiting the regions
significant influence. One important result of this, and a knowledge base
number of other factors, was an expectation that the
population of the region would significantly increase and It was felt the region had a number of high profile R&D
pressures for affordable housing and related infrastructure headquarters and research establishments, but should
in and around key urban areas would rise as a result. In look to build further strength in this area as well as trying
certain scenarios the need for new forms of affordable to further exploit its current knowledge and research base.
housing and associated services in rural areas would also It was also felt more work was needed to ensure regional
increase. Housing was seen as the main priority but this in decision makers fully understood the motives of current
turn would increase the need to improve the spatial establishments located in the region to ensure they would
distribution and provision of related social infrastructure remain in the future. There seemed to be three strands to
(schools, local transport, health services etc). Overall there this objective ensuring current research establishments
was a view that the region was unwise to rely on central and investments stayed in the region; promoting greater
government investment in this area and new forms of collaboration between (public and private sector) research
innovative partnership between public, private and establishments, universities and business in order to
voluntary sector would be required. The need to get the facilitate new indigenous business growth; and trying to
right things in the right places was a key theme, with RPG attract more research establishments to the region to
14 giving the region a real opportunity to do this for the add further strength and stability to the regions
first time, linking houses with jobs and transport knowledge pool.
infrastructure.
Many people felt that the region was well placed to take
This was seen as a growth sector across the whole of the
advantage of opportunities emerging in a number of key
UK economy, resulting from shifting consumer trends, a
sectors. However, it was noted that other regions and
more affluent society, and a resultant increase in the
countries would also be looking to take these
number of different choices and tastes for leisure and
opportunities, and therefore the time window for
tourist activities. It was felt more should be made of the
opportunity was short. One such example highlighted in the
existing heritage and cultural assets in the region, not just
scenario development sessions was environmental and
to attract more tourists but also for the positive impact this
energy technologies, with the extended possibility of
had in terms of emphasising the benefits of the region to
Page 36 Strategy development and action planning
potential residents, investors and entrepreneurs. Some felt Other points made in discussion
efforts should also be made to extend the seasons in the
region, by building up a whole calendar year of events, Other concerns and risks worth noting from the workshop
festivals, attractions etc. However, there was also some discussions included the lack of public sector resources
recognition of the need to improve the shape of the regions available to the region, the lack of levers available to the
tourism offer and create a new modern offer that would region, and the feeling that the region would not act quickly
appeal to a different, younger demographic looking for enough to take the decisive action required to exploit
different experiences. This was not only seen as important potential opportunities. There was also some concern that
as a growth sector but also because it went hand in hand the region did not have a USP that it could push in the
with maintaining and improving the natural environment, global market, other than Cambridge University. The lack
cultural assets and overall quality of life in the region, of entrepreneurs and business managers was a key issue
which in turn had a positive affect on current residents, in throughout, and mentioned under many of the headings
terms of retaining them and raising their aspirations. above. Some felt this re-emphasised the need for the
region to come together to punch its weight at national and
international level, while others felt this reinforced the
Building and enhancing the regions global need, at this point, to take the possible opportunity to make
reputation the region the green/environmental technology capital of
Europe, a role model for truly sustainable communities.
It was felt by many that the region was not good at selling Others felt the regions quality of life was the USP and this,
itself, or promoting the many strengths and assets it had. above all else, should not be lost in the strategy.
For some the region was too self satisfied. Some felt this
was a question of packaging and marketing the regions
current assets more as an international brand. However,
there was some opposition to the creation of a false 4.3 Developing the regional economic strategy
identity. This was linked to a weak sense of regional
identity in the region and low recognition among residents Building on the work emerging from the scenario planning
of what region they live in. process, EEDA produced a consultation document on the
high level issues facing the region at the end of January.
There was a greater degree of support for the idea of This document was entitled Sharing the challenge playing
establishing a greater national profile for the region, your part in reviewing the regional economic strategy.
backed by improved regional leadership to enable the
region to punch its weight among the other English regions The consultation document set out a draft vision, set of
in terms of investment from and influence on national strategic goals and underpinning priorities and asked for
government. Many felt that the current government did not views on their relevance and appropriateness for the region.
recognise the value of the region to the UK economy, or the
threats it faced from global competition. Table 2 sets out the relationship between the imperatives
and opportunities identified in the scenario planning
There was significant support for the view that identity workshops and how these were translated into specific
should be built on the basis of sub-regional strengths, but goals for the sharing the challenge document.
promoted at a regional level. Some fears were expressed
that this approach might lead to the promotion of a
distinctly average region. It was felt that the regions USP
on a European and global scale was its technical skills,
knowledge and services. A culture of being outward
looking was seen as just as important as brand and
reputation.
Strategy development and action planning Page 37
Improving transport infrastructure Ensure the region benefits from the development of international gateways, national
and regional transport corridors
Increasing the provision of housing and Grow sustainable communities in the regions Growth Areas that make a major
related social infrastructure economic and social contribution to regional success
This imperative is also linked to the goal - Enhance the regions qualities as an
attractive place to live, work and visit
Improving the regions skills base Develop the regions skills base necessary to deliver economic, social and
environmental opportunities
Improving ICT infrastructure and skills Achieve accessible high-speed data connections infrastructure with increasing levels
of take up and usage
Develop the regions skills base necessary to deliver on economic, social and
environmental opportunities
Enhance the regions qualities as an attractive place to live work and visit
Developing and exploiting the regions Enhance the regions role as a global leader for science and technology research
knowledge and R&D base and development
Develop the role of the East of England in the national and global economy
Enhance the East of Englands role as a global leader for science and technology
research and development
Developing the regions tourism and Enhance the regions qualities as an attractive place to live, work and visit
leisure offer
Building and developing the regions global Develop the role of the East of England in the national and global economy
reputation
Strategy development and action planning
The sharing the challenge document played a central role In discussion a number of points were made. In particular
in three action planning workshops in February, acting as it was felt that the vision needed to be updated and
the backdrop for discussion. Workshop participants were refreshed to reflect the learning from the earlier scenario
asked to test the draft vision, goals and priorities identified workshops. For example;
in the document before identifying key underpinning
actions for inclusion in the final strategy document. a number of people felt that the current vision placed
The following summarises the key discussion points from too much emphasis on the knowledge base of the
the workshops. region at the expense of the emphasis on building
businesses that had emerged from the workshops
some felt that the vision was not sufficiently specific to
the region, and did not recognise the diversity of the
The vision region
others felt that the quality of life in the region, and the
The sharing the challenge consultation document
need to preserve this as a valuable asset in the future
suggested that the existing vision, as stated in the existing
should be emphasised more in the vision
regional economic strategy should remain. This was:
some felt that the vision should say more about how
the regions aspirations would be delivered although
To make the East of England a world class economy,
others felt this was the purpose of the underpinning
renowned for its knowledge base, the creativity and
strategic goals and actions
enterprise of its people and the quality of life of all who live
a number of people also felt the vision was too long.
and work here.
Rapid growth
in infrastructure
Building Exporting
businesses ideas
Minimal growth
in infrastructure
Strategy development and action planning Page 39
General comments
There was a fair degree of consensus about the general In terms of suggested omissions from the document, a
thrust and direction of the high level issues document and number of people suggested that there may be some value
strategic goals contained within the sharing the challenge in more explicit mention of demographic change as an
document. issue that needed to be further analysed and addressed as
a priority. This included issues relating to the regions
A number of people stated that there were too many proximity to London, the location of Growth Areas in the
strategic goals in the document, reflecting a perception region, the need to attract and retain a higher proportion of
that no choices had been made and a general lack of skilled young people, and related issues around the ageing
prioritisation within the strategy. This was felt to be population in some parts of the region.
particularly important given the relatively scarce amount of
resource available to public sector bodies in the region, Other comments suggested that the document:
particularly EEDA, to assist in the delivery of the strategy.
A number of people felt that the strategy should distinguish should do more in terms of looking at ways to draw
between those things that the region could do for itself, funding into the region
and those things that it could only influence through
should look at things more from an economic
effective lobbying of others such as national government.
development point of view, thereby enabling choices to
be based on the benefit of carrying out the proposed
Other comments which were common across the
actions
workshops included the need for the strategy to focus on
issues that were specific to the region, whilst also not a number of people also said that they found the pillars
ignoring those issues which are common to all regions. In under which the goals had been grouped in the
a similar vein, a number of people felt that the document document unhelpful, as they were felt to be an artificial
did not sufficiently reflect the diversity of the region and the division that drew attention away from the choices
sub-regional issues that had emerged from earlier about strategic priorities that should be the focal point
discussion of the scenarios; there would be different of the strategy.
priorities in different parts of the region.
Strategy development and action planning
GOAL: Develop the regions skills base necessary to deliver on economic, social and
environmental opportunities
General comments
A number of people felt that more explicit mention should be focus more on raising the skills of those currently in
made of the need to increase aspirations among the regions business or full time employment, eg. by promoting the use
population, and promote a learning culture across the region. of continuing professional development plans by
Without improvement in skills and culture a number of the employees, or by targeting literacy and numeracy training
other strategic goals would not be delivered. There was also a on those in work
suggestion that the goal needed to focus specifically on change the way that vocational qualifications are valued vis
improving and retaining the skills of young people in the region. a vis academic qualifications, eg. greater business
involvement in schools to promote vocational routes/trades
There was also some debate about whether the focus of the
build regional skills partnerships and sector skills plans
skills base should be to deliver on social, environmental and
improve basic skills particularly for business and those
economic opportunities or whether it should be more about
needed for life in general, eg. by introducing union learning
matching skills provision more explicitly to the needs of
reps
employers and the region as a whole. There was also
discussion about how far this objective could be achieved lobby for skills targets and frameworks that reflect regional
by regional action alone. Some national policies and needs more than national ideas
frameworks were seen as obstacles to delivery because develop environmental skills to mitigate environmental
national targets and policies did not always necessarily reflect inputs and promote resource efficiency
the need for flexibility to reflect regional priorities. emphasise skills that benefit learners in their own
The majority of participants in the first two workshops felt that community matching skills & needs locally
ICT skills should be added to this goal, rather than included as
encourage provision of skills to remote areas/deprived
a separate goal in its own right. It was also felt that the goal
communities through distance learning
should reflect the fact that the skills base was an issue for all
enable the transfer of knowledge development between
employers, whether they are in the private public or voluntary
higher education and businesses to build growth
sector.
build the kind of skills & expertise to deliver renaissance
and regeneration, including skills in community
Priorities and actions engagement.
The three workshops proposed a series of underpinning The key priorities emerging across the workshops seemed to
priorities and actions to deliver this goal, reflecting their be related to establishing the skills requirements, both now
general views on the importance of this goal. These included: and in the future, that local employers had or would have and
work more closely in partnership with employers to ensure that
continue to support the priorities identified within the their needs were met. A number of key skills shortages were
Framework for Regional Employment and Skills Action identified, particularly in relation to basic adult skills. There
(FRESA), once the current review has been completed, but seemed to be a clear view that more training needed to be
focussing on those with key economic implications done to provide vocational skills as well as developing
build aspirations & expectations amongst employers and programmes aimed at upskilling those who were in
individuals employment. There was also a need to include business skills
more in the education system, including potential initiatives
make current learning support structures more effective
aimed at partnering businesses with schools. There was also a
maintain an understanding of changes in the regional
clear view that there should be a vocal lobby of national
economy & likely impact on skills needs, and emphasise
government on this issue, with a view to increasing local and
the need for greater partnership between skills providers
regional autonomy of the skills agenda.
and all employers to deliver the skills that they need
improve links with programmes to tackle deprivation A number of people felt that the FRESA was the key framework
shift the focus from those registered as unemployed to for taking much of this action forward, but that the regional
attracting economically inactive groups (eg. women, economic strategy should give greater emphasis to those
ethic minorities, people with disabilities) back priorities and actions with distinct economic implications.
into the workforce
take into account the skills needs of not-for-profit/voluntary
and community organisations
Strategy development and action planning Page 41
GOAL: Build a strong entrepreneurial culture with growth in both the quantity and productivity of
business and enterprise across the region
General comments
A number of participants felt that this goal was too heavily identify and remove barriers to business start up and
weighted to business start ups, rather than focussing more growth (eg. red tape)
on retention and growth of existing businesses, which was increase partnerships between academic
seen as a key issue for the region. There was also a need organisations, private and public sector with the
to focus on retaining existing inward investment in the public sector performing a brokerage role
region as well as the region looking to grow its own.
recognise and cherish the contribution made by
services in the regional economy.
In addition to building a strong entrepreneurial culture it
was also felt that this objective should give more emphasis
to the development of the business infrastructure, A number of suggestions here repeated those made
including development of the physical environment to elsewhere in relation to gaps in the skills base and the
support business growth (eg. through the provision of need to focus more education on business skills from a
business premises and flexible use of the planning system) younger age in schools and also universities. However
and advice and other support from business support there was also a good deal of support for actions aimed at
agencies. improving the quality and provision of business support
activities in the region and rationalising some of the
It was also felt the development of key sectors and clusters delivery of these functions. There was also consistent
deserved more emphasis as did the wider need for mention of the need for improved provision of business
entrepreneurs in all parts of the region, including the premises across the region, and need to create new
public and voluntary sector. forums or networks between businesses to exchange ideas
and experiences.
Priorities and actions Other suggestions included the need for a clear cluster
development strategy in the region and wider promotion of
initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship in
Reflecting the importance attached to this goal through the
deprived areas of the region and those in under-
workshop discussions, a number of specific priorities and
represented communities, such as those related to
actions were proposed, as follows.
improving regional social capital and social enterprises
GOAL: Enhance the regions role as a global leader for science and technology research and development
General comments
There were differing views about this goal across the three encourage chicks to fly the nest finance to
workshops. One workshop considered it to be less of a encourage independence
priority for the region. Others felt that although this was encourage high value/prototype manufacturing
important the focus should be less on the global reputation
take proactive action to retain R&D in region and
for leading edge science and technology, and more about
encourage big companies to place research projects
exploiting the regions knowledge and science base to build
within the region (policy needs to think beyond
businesses and transfer the benefits to the wider economy
EEDAs borders)
of the region. This reflected the learning from the earlier
raise business aspirations
scenario discussions.
use regions star corporate performers
Although there was a strong feeling that the region was not take skills needs of voluntary organisations
currently getting the most from its science and technology into account.
research and development base, most agreed it was a
strength that the region should build on, and one of the few
A strong theme running through many of these actions was
things that the region had an international reputation for,
the need to promote more exchange and partnership
making it part of the regions USP that distinguished it
between business, commerce, academia and R&D
from other parts of the country.
providers, with the public sector playing a facilitation and
brokerage role. This included the need to promote a
There was also some discussion about the concept of
business element in secondary and higher education to
wider innovation and the opportunities created when
promote entrepreneurship and business skills alongside
mature industries move up the value chain. Many felt that
the acquisition of R&D knowledge, and the provision of
innovation should be given greater emphasis in this goal,
enterprise hubs and incubator facilities. In this respect,
widening the concept beyond the narrow view of science
there was a strong link between this goal, and the previous
and technology.
goal on enterprise.
GOAL: Grow sustainable communities in the regions Growth Areas that make a major economic and social
contribution to regional success
General comments
This goal provoked a wide divergence of views among bring forward and protect employment sites and increase
workshop participants. Some felt that that the wording of the growth of mixed use developments
goal gave undue emphasis to the regions designated Growth increase number of demonstration projects and spread
Areas, at the expense of a wider definition of sustainable best practise across region
communities in the region, pointing out that this was the only
cut through administrative boundaries to make them
goal that had a distinct geographical element to it. Others felt
more appropriate to local needs
that the Growth Areas were the designated priorities for the
maximise economic and social effect of growth areas and
region and were concerned that a broader scope would result
actively managing their impact in the region as a whole
in insufficient focus on them. Some felt that the two issues
were being mixed into one strategic goal unnecessarily. support local needs delivery by local services
improve the tourism, heritage and cultural offer to meet
Others felt that environmental issues needed to be given demands of visitors and residents
greater emphasis within this goal, related to ensuring that make the most of tourism and leisure opportunities and
there was truly sustainable growth in the Growth Areas the quality of the built and natural environment
reflecting the need for sustainable construction, social
increase vitality and sustainability of rural areas.
infrastructure and improving quality of life in these areas
without damaging the environment.
A key priority identified was the provision of affordable,
sustainably constructed (something that many felt should be
Overall it was hard to reach agreement on whether the goal
applied to all new housing in the region) housing, particularly
should be broadened out to cover all parts of the region
for key workers in and around the Growth Areas, where the
(sustainable communities everywhere), merging in wider
provision of housing and related social infrastructure would
quality of life issues (an attractive place to live, work, visit) or
be crucial and should be supplemented by subsequent
kept as a separate goal. As the goal gets broader it tended to
development of cultural developments. There was a
become a bit of a catch all for everything, rather than
widespread consensus that the energy and wider
focussing on the regions approach to growth in the Growth
environmental impact of development of the Growth Areas
Areas and growth in the rest of the region.
should be minimised where possible. There was a similar
theme in relation to transport in these areas with a desire to
There was also recognition that the new RPG and related
promote local, sustainable transport solutions. Similarly
regional spatial strategy needed to be tied in with this goal,
some felt the local delivery of local services would be crucial
as they would set the spatial framework for the region.
in terms of minimising environmental impacts and promoting
long term economic and social sustainability. In more
Some found the term sustainable communities misleading
general terms the discussion showed a great deal of support
as this has become the term used by national government
for the need to manage the growth of these communities
for specific growth areas.
very carefully to ensure they make a positive impact on the
region, rather than simply becoming dormitories for the
South East and a drain on resources in the East of England.
Priorities and actions
GOAL: Enhance the regions qualities as an attractive place to live, work and visit
General comments
There were mixed views on this goal. Some felt that proactively support and mentor young people in work at
although it was crucial to preserve, maintain and enhance the beginning of their careers and provide other
the quality of life in the region, this was something that opportunities for them to network and bring vitality to
would happen as a result of other things and therefore their lives, eg. by investing in sports facilities to retain
should be considered as part of the underpinning actions young people and improve opportunities for leisure
under other goals, rather than being a goal in itself. For improve HE offer in East of England to retain graduates
others there was a concern that quality of life would be
pursue a cohesive social and environmental strategy
ignored if it was not explicitly mentioned as a goal in its
which enables distinctiveness to be managed and
own right. A third view emerged suggesting that quality
developed, eg. by preserving the local qualities of the
of life would fit better within the vision for the region, as it
region to develop the overall qualities of the region and
was hard to identify precise actions to achieve the goal,
ensuring the regional economic strategy connects and
other than ensuring other actions took quality of life
complements with the published environmental
considerations into account. The slight majority view was
strategy
that this would sit better as part of the vision and
deliver FE courses to non-vocational careers to
something that other actions should be proofed against
enrich lives.
through the sustainability appraisal mechanism. Specific
social infrastructure issues could be covered under other
goals if a decision were taken to drop this goal The actions above seemed to confirm that it is hard to
define precise actions that are specific to this goal and not
If this was to stay as a goal a number of participants covered by the others. In particular there seemed to be a
thought the current goal to be too bland. In particular it good deal of support for the concept of sustainability
should focus more on the regions tourism, cultural and proofing the overall strategy and related actions and
heritage assets, and the need to attract and retain more projects, and preserve precious natural environmental
young people. Points were made about different people features and increase biodiversity by linking into the
defining their quality of life in different ways reflecting published environmental strategy.
the need for cultural diversity in a modern society and a
suggestion that the goal be refocused around the vitality of
the region and ability to retrain and attract key people.
Some also felt the goal needed to make a more explicit link
between the economic development justifications for the
importance of quality of life, linked to the region being an
attractive place to invest. Others felt this was a rather
narrow view of the concept and goal.
General comments
A general theme of comments on this strategic goal was offer more support to vulnerable individuals during
that it did not give sufficient emphasis to the specifics of career development (eg. mentoring)
the region and particularly the fact that deprivation does re-invest wealth of region into deprived areas via jobs
not exist solely in the bottom 10 per cent of wards in the etc, focussing on attracting new businesses into
region because of the dispersed nature of deprivation in deprived wards, and championing businesses that have
the region. A number of people felt that more explicit been successful in deprived areas
mention should be made of the economic costs of
increase bridging & bonding social capital for
deprivation and discrimination in society, and the benefits
employment and social reasons, recognising the
of addressing them.
inter-relationship between the two
tackle dysfunctional families whilst still at school
Some felt that the regional economic strategy should more
explicitly emphasise the role of diversity as a stimuli to find a motivational/aspirational trigger to encourage
innovation and creativity, and the importance of raising people to want to acquire new skills, and encourage
levels of self esteem, confidence and basic life skills entrepreneurship in under-represented communities.
among certain communities.
There was a dichotomy of views about whether intervention
A number of connections and linkages were made between in deprived areas should focus on reducing disparities
discussions around this goal and those in relation to through improving education and health care, regional
Growth Areas, sustainable communities, skills and social capital and other initiatives (eg. mentoring) aimed at
entrepreneurial culture. Most felt this goal was more raising aspirations, or through more direct intervention to
about people than places given the circumstances give positive discrimination in terms of employment
of the region. opportunities, attracting new businesses and promoting
new business growth. Each workshop identified a mixed
approach to the issue, but all reflected both the economic
Priorities and actions and social benefits of promoting a proactive approach to
addressing discrimination. There was also an emphasis on
Priority actions identified in discussion were as follows: what works among the actions proposed, with one
workshop being very clear that what works in Luton wont
work in Norfolk representing a very clear statement about
support employees in widening participation,
the distinct nature of the communities and the problems
addressing issues of discrimination (related to
faced in different parts of the region.
disabilities and ethic minorities) and flexible working
arrangements to increase diversity of workforce
build the capacity of voluntary and community groups
to create social capital
use mainstream funding to mainstream successful
pilots
enable inter-agency working perhaps through cross
agency social capital fund or similar
have a significant target on reducing poverty
in the region
source 20 per cent of procurements from local and
social enterprises
flexible employment/skills training
invest in infrastructure (especially in rural areas)
health, education, social, and look to develop health
improvement plans for communities to achieve at least
an equality of access to services across the region
move from geographic towards socio-demographic
perspective
Strategy development and action planning
GOAL: Ensure the region benefits from the development of international gateways, national and
regional transport corridors
General comments
The most consistent comment about this goal was that it mitigate environmental impact of this goal by focussing
was too passive. More emphasis should be given to getting on land use integration and promoting innovative
the maximum from the potential development of gateways mechanism
and transport infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on understand and deal with transport impact of the
regional leadership and lobbying of national government by housing development in the region
demonstrating the case for improvements in transport
need to put infrastructure around ports before
infrastructure. Airports and ports were seen as gateways
development of facility is complete
that could be further developed as hubs of economic
transport priorities: Take the Regional Transport
activity if the public and private sector worked together to
Strategy as starting point, choice for employment
leverage funding an issue that many felt deserved more
location, reduce out commuting, reduce need for travel
emphasis in the wording of the goal and associated
priorities. assess impact of London commuting and how choice of
employment locations link with proximity to London
There was also some debate about whether this goal new funding mechanisms for transport public, private
should focus more on the big infrastructure projects partnership, innovative mechanisms too
nationally and regionally or whether it should include explore/support cluster development at key gateways to
more on local transport solutions. The majority view increase added value and economic activity in the
seemed to be that the latter would fit better in the goal region
about sustainable communities assuming this is expanded
identify and maximise added regional value from
to cover more than the Growth Areas, while this goal
port/airport activities hinterland development, skills
should be primarily about the larger flagship
training, business infrastructure
infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of
EEDA and planning authorities to develop better
international gateways and major road improvements.
relationships with transport gateway operators, and co-
operation with other national and international
Overall this strategic goal received a high level of support,
operators
although some suggested that it could potentially be the
most controversial goal within the strategy, given the use infrastructure to support existing industries (eg.
potential environmental impact. tourism), both physical and virtual
need to create economic conditions prior to gateways
development
Priorities and actions
There was a great deal of emphasis within the actions
Not surprisingly given the earlier discussions about the about exploiting the gateways that the region has (including
lack of decent infrastructure and the opportunities it could those which are planned to expand in the future),
provide in future, the workshops identified a wide range of particularly by developing clearer relationships between
priority actions, as follows: gateway operators, local businessmen and planning
authorities. Further lobbying and facilitation of improved
identify the infrastructure improvements that will partnerships to develop innovative funding packages and
deliver the greatest economic benefit to the region. local transport solutions was also suggested.
Examine ways to speed up the delivery of these
improvements, but with sensitivity to social and There was also an emphasis on proactive planning the
environmental consequences development of infrastructure in order not only to maximise
create a vision for transport and gateways which links the economic benefits, but also minimise the possible
regional, sub-regional, national stakeholders and environmental damage that could result from new
private sector developments.
GOAL: Achieve accessible high-speed data connections infrastructure with increasing levels of take
up and usage
General comments
The first two workshops both felt that this should not be a make public sector broadband networks available in
priority goal for the strategy. It was felt this goal as areas of market failure to support village networks
currently drafted would not differentiate the region, and ensure that economic benefits of broadband are
that our current view of high speed data connections may realised by encouraging applications/content and the
not be the most relevant for future technologies, thereby acquisition of relevant skills
making the wording of the goal seem very narrow.
make sure that the infrastructure in the region keeps
Nevertheless high speed data connections were seen as an
pace with the demands of new applications and
essential part of the regions infrastructure, particularly for
technologies
rural areas, but not a means in itself.
facilitate links with other providers
Most people felt ICT was important, but did not necessarily lobby government.
need to stay as a stand-alone goal. It was felt it would be
There seemed to be three themes or groups of actions
better featuring as a cross-cutting issue. There was also a
proposed. Firstly the need to lobby government and work
sense that the wording of the goal should be expanded to
with broadband providers to expand the infrastructure
cover the potential impact of newly emerging technologies.
across the whole region was proposed. Secondly the need
Most agreed that the emphasis on broadband was too narrow
to raise the awareness among local businesses of the
given the timescale and pace of technological advance.
opportunities offered by new technologies was emphasised.
Finally there was felt to be a need to raise ICT skills and
For most this was a goal that could be dropped with
awareness among the general population.
relevant actions being fed into other goals relating to skills
and infrastructure. However those who felt it should
remain pointed to the fact that this goal hit a number of
key government priorities eg. rural isolation, sustainable
development, reducing congestion and increasing e-
commerce and e-government. There was certainly strong
feeling from some in the third workshop that ICT elements
should be brought together under one goal rather than risk
them getting ignored as a cross cutting issue.
GOAL: Develop opportunities for the sustainable management of the regions environmental and
energy assets
General comments
A number of people felt that this goal was currently too enable rural diversification through changes in
woolly and needed a harder edge, reflecting the need for planning
more proactive promotion of the energy and environmental support increases in rural productivity through
technology sectors in the region. There was some opportunities in environmental assets
confusion about whether the goal referred just to
support biodiversity and understand environmental
environmental and energy technologies, or wider
impact of economic development
environmental and energy assets (such as biodiversity and
focus on organisation opportunities and supply side
protected habitats). Some were slightly concerned about
issues
the loss of the focus on the natural environment but the
majority felt that this could be dealt with under other goals The first workshop focussed on the development of the
or dealt with as a sustainability proofing issue that cut sector as a key part of the growth of the region,
across all the goals. recommending a number of specific actions which would
help promote the sector in a proactive manner that would
There was also a suggestion from some that the goal was benefit the region and make the most of its natural assets in
too sector specific. However from others there was a this area in line with the principles of improved resource
strong feeling that this represented one of the few factors productivity. The final workshop outlined a mixture of actions,
which separated the region from other parts of the UK most of which were concerned with promoting a wider view
given its natural comparative advantage in this area. of environmental sustainability throughout the region.
GOAL: Develop the role of the East of England in the national and global economy
General comments
Some people felt this could be a goal to drop from the list, develop a communications/marketing strategy for their
but others felt it as one of the most important, perhaps region, for lobbying/influencing not branding
reflecting the fact that it was seen as something that EEDA develop more sophisticated arguments (for use
and the region could actually deliver on in a fairly short in lobbying) that address the specific issues of this
timescale which would have a significant impact. Certainly region (eg. deprivation is more dispersed than in
lobbying for the region with a single voice, to national other regions)
government, the EU and to potential UK and international
more emphasis/stronger lobbying role in relation to
investors and markets was seen as a key factor in
national government policy, eg. on things such as the
delivering the other goals.
Lyons Review
work more closely with neighbouring regions as part of
A number of people felt that the goal did not reflect the
a Greater South East, ensuring better alignment with
regions USP, though others stressed that selling the
other regional strategies
region artificially as a single brand would be unwise. There
was a felling that the region was a collection of brands. avoid spreading actions too thinly focus on doing a
Some made a distinction between promoting the region few big things better.
through an effective marketing and communications
There seem to be three groups of priority actions identified
campaign and cohesive lobbying and representation for the
here. Firstly the development of a proactive promotions and
region at a national and international level. Crucially many
marketing communications strategy for the region was
saw the crucial goal as effective representation of the
proposed, to cover both UK and international markets.
regions interest at a national level in order to effect policy
Secondly there is support for a more cohesive and
development and obtain a larger resource to support the
proactive voice at regional level to lobby and influence
growth of the region.
national government and the EU on issues of key concern,
including the development of more sophisticated
A number of people suggested that the goal should better
arguments about the strengths, weaknesses and
reflect the need to work effectively with other UK regions,
requirements of the region in relation to national policy,
particularly London and the South East. There was
and more co-ordination of MEPs lobbying efforts in
certainly felt to be a need to increase looking out and
Europe. Thirdly, there is widespread support for a more
bringing learning in from relationships with other regions
outward looking and collaborative region, working in
and parts of the world.
partnership with neighbouring regions and aligning
strategies for mutual benefit.
Over the last 15 years, the East of Englands identity has The bio-tech community in Norwich has provided some
been completely reinvented. Long known for its quaint exciting business propositions, and whilst little new pure
sea-side towns, the detached intellectual rigour of research is being conducted, a new company producing
Cambridge University and expansive rural landscape, the functional foods has had huge success and is now a key
region in 2020 is seen as one of the economic hotbeds of employer in the region. On the coast, the improvements in
Europe, beginning to overtaking the South East in many road and rail transport have led to a renaissance in
league tables of economic performance. container traffic. However, there are indications that this is
now starting to plateau, calling into question further
There have been two key elements to this dramatic change development proposals for Shellhaven. Such activity has
in fortune. First of all, an ambitious programme of transport been met with great enthusiasm by the newly elected
infrastructure development has improved the quality of regional government, who have put into a place a series of
access to many key areas of the East of England. Air travel is initiatives aimed not only at encouraging and nurturing new
a key driver, with infrastructure plans including the further businesses to grow, particularly in the urban areas like
development of Stansted, a planned second runway at Luton Luton and Bedford previously dominated by traditional forms
by 2025, and significant support for some smaller airports of manufacturing, but also by marketing the regions
both of which have significant increases in traffic. In fact, strengths, brand and vision nationally and internationally.
Easyjet and Ryanair have both agreed a deal with Norwich This atmosphere of innovation seems to be infectious, and
airport which will see numerous flights to key cities new and successful companies are sprouting up in
throughout Europe on a regular basis. Many roads including Bedfordshire, Essex, on the coast and around the
the heavily congested A14 have been widened, and universities. Collaboration with London and the South East is
augmented by a series of new links stretching east-west a key part of the strategy, promoting the regions role and
across the region. This is not only true of road a series of assets as part of the wider national economy, and reaping
dedicated rail links now connect the larger conurbations the rewards of the attention received from national
with significant towns and cities throughout the country. government as a result.
These investments have been accompanied by the
embedding of ICT throughout the region broadband In itself, this success has attracted the attentions of bigger
connections are no longer an exciting innovation, but a part international companies, and many global and European
of everyday life for both businesses and the home. companies looking for space for head offices are relocating
to the region, finding the likes of Bedford, Stevenage and St
The second key change is the increased sense of Albans close enough to London to keep financiers happy, but
entrepreneurialism palpable throughout the region. This far enough away to offer their employees families good
may be partly due to the increased connectivity of the region, quality of life and decent services. Where larger businesses
but it has also been facilitated by increased interactions plant themselves, smaller suppliers are following and
between the intellectual heartlands of the region and locating in the surrounding area. There is huge growth in the
businesses in their hinterlands, perhaps personified by the Oxford - Cambridge arc, which has spin off benefits for
flagship development of the sparkling new and modern small distribution businesses in Hertfordshire and
bridge of ideas between Harwich and Felixstowe. Bedfordshire.
Appendices Page 51
The Thames Gateway, once an embarrassing adjunct to the The effects upon social polarisation are complex. In many
region, is fast becoming a jewel in its crown in many ways urban areas, economic and social polarisation are declining
emblematic of this newfound success in a truly 21st century as new jobs are created, providing opportunities for social
economic environment: well connected by road, rail and the inclusion. This has been accompanied by a greater
new high-speed maglev train to London, and with high level engagement among sections of the population that used to
ICT connections incorporated into its new housing and feel disenfranchised and ignored. However, the picture is not
business structures, it is providing a fertile area for entirely rosy: pockets of deprivation in the towns still exist,
blossoming entrepreneurs to cultivate their businesses in and the proximity of extreme wealth and deprivation is
easy reach of London and, via Stansted and Luton, the causing some tension in the major urban conurbations.
principal cities of Europe.
Furthermore, the development of businesses around a
However, the path isnt entirely smooth. Some of the number of hubs has worsened the rural-urban divide, made
proposed roads and related development of new business worse by the continuing decline in farming and the resulting
parks were the subject of tenacious environmental downturn in the traditional food processing sector. Most
campaigners, while others were largely disregarded. In have switched to local marketing, guaranteeing quicker
addition to a fairly militant fringe, a more general feeling is times from farm to market than ever before, and focussing
spreading throughout the region that some of the natural on the premium products sector, which is growing as a
beauty of the region has been lost. Despite a fairly result of new wealth coming to the urban areas and
aggressive policy of maintaining large areas of unspoilt suburbs. Less are employed in this more technical and fast
natural beauty such as the Broads, vast swathes of land moving food sector, but some of the more business like
have been swallowed up by roads, business parks and farmers can still make a decent living. However, the
housing developments required by the regions burgeoning stewardship of the land remain a problem in some rural
economy. Some hotspots have become heavily polluted and areas, with fears that green field land will become dustbowls
congested. Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire with the onset of climate change, new developments, and
increasingly feel like parts of outer London, with the older farmers deserting their land. In these rural areas,
continuing growth of the commuter belt spreading rapidly social division has dramatically increased. Rural towns are
outwards from the capital. Just as worryingly, it appears the not so much isolated but rather increasingly gentrified, as
speed of growth has taken many by surprise and the related they have become homes for the rich and affluent in society
social infrastructure in many areas is struggling to keep up. who commute to the major towns nearby or buy second
Quality of life is not what it used to be in some parts of these homes as country retreats. The increased accessibility has
areas, with the growth of gated communities to keep the had a particularly noticeable effect on the seaside towns,
have-nots out perhaps best illustrated by rumours that which are now almost entirely populated by affluent workers
Woburn Abbey will soon be sold off and converted into luxury in new executive style developments, and ageing retirement
executive housing and a health farm. The local press communities. Less affluent families and low skilled workers
recently ran with a headline of Welcome to Londons newest have been pushed out of their home communities, and this
Borough with a picture of Luton station and a new housing is beginning to cause significant problems around social
development nearby. identity and rising crime in some areas.
There is also concern about the fate of Cambridge. Whilst Even the state of rural tourism is changing, with more focus
both Cambridge and Norwich were once seem as leaders in on flagship facilities and attractions, bringing new money
their field, this has slid somewhat in recent years. As large into the region, but placing it in the hands of the few. Some
international firms have come in and poached many leading areas with high quality attractions do well, but other
research scientists, there is a feeling that genuine R&D is traditional market towns no longer have the pulling power
being supplanted by the exploitation of existing ideas for new for visitors they once did.
business opportunities. Cambridge as a whole seems to be
labouring under this accusation that it is no longer a centre
of excellence but a lackey of big business. Fears about the
sustainability of such a position are increasingly being
expressed by the Cambridge Evening News, although
rumours that it will soon be renamed Glaxo-Wellbeing
University will surely prove unfounded.
Page 52 Appendices
The East of England is one of Europes most renowned The main cities and towns are becoming less and less
centres of research and development, a global knowledge unique in character, and despite the rising trend for retail,
hub which is talked of enviously across the continent. it seems spending is not increasing the happiness and well
Leading pharmaceutical companies have expanded their being of everyone in the region.
R&D capacity, and other global companies have put down
research roots. The focus on ideas and innovation has Many of those coming into the area for research, or quality
provided an important platform from which to differentiate of life reasons can command globally competitive salaries,
the region and help build a strong identity. The regions enabling them to buy most of the good quality housing. The
brand has helped to attract large numbers of highly skilled communities in which these highly skilled workers live are
workers into the region, as well as numerous wide-ranging changing too, especially in rural areas, many of which are
investment programmes. littered with socalled virtual villages where knowledge
workers increasingly working part of the week from home.
The development of such a prestigious reputation has The communities are much more transient as many of
come at a price, however. The highly competitive nature of these workers tend to live in an area for a short period of
the ideas market means that it is imperative to remain at time, then move on elsewhere. The sense of community is
the cutting edge of innovation. In recent years, some have dissipating in many areas, despite an increase in the
started to question the long-term feasibility and number of people spending time working from home
sustainability of an economy based exclusively on ideas and during the week. Another change is the decreasing
innovation. Some firms are already deciding to relocate numbers of young people: more and more young people
their R&D outside the region in order to be closer to their are leaving the region in order to get on to the property
manufacturing base, prompting The Norwich Evening Post ladder elsewhere.
to run an article arguing that the lack of a comprehensive
approach encompassing both business innovation and R&D Supply of new homes has become a controversial issue. A
was putting the region at a severe disadvantage. Even with lack of skilled construction workers means some house-
the recently announced expansion of Norwich International building plans have been delayed, or in one high profile
airport, due to problems concerning the planned expansion case near Cambridge, cancelled. National and regional
of Luton, and the promise that Norfolk never looked agencies have been criticized for over-emphasising the
closer, the region just isnt attracting the business growth importance of intangible skills in the knowledge economy
that was hoped for. leading to shortages of workers in other key areas, such as
construction and health care. An increasing reliance on
Despite these concerns, the East of England has enjoyed overseas workers to fill these skills gaps has lead to
near-full employment for the last few years, mainly as a instances of social unrest in Great Yarmouth and other
result of the many new, high-skill jobs that have been deprived areas. While migrant Portuguese agricultural
created as a result of the burgeoning R&D sector, and workers were much in evidence 15 years ago, most
knock on demand for local shops and services. Average plumbers, builders and taxi drivers in some parts of the
incomes across the region have increased but an region are now from Central and Eastern Europe.
unfortunate side effect has been the creation of a dual
labour market in the region, with increasing levels of Similarly there is growing press coverage concerning a
polarization between high and low skill worker. Many of the planned repeat of the so-called Town vs Gown riots at this
high skilled jobs are occupied by those coming into the years graduation ceremonies in the university towns.
region. The links between the US and the burgeoning film Cranfield Universitys class of 2019 found themselves
and TV industry in East Anglia and Hertfordshire is one of pelted with tomatoes and flour as the Universitys new
the regions success stories, but most of the benefit has campus was said to provide better accommodation than
gone to creative directors and producers moving or many locals enjoyed. Press reports suggest that
commuting from London. There have been some side- Cambridge, Luton and Hatfield are set for similar protests
effects on the nearby towns and cities, with the growth of this year from local residents, linked as much to
stylish retail shopping centres, caf culture and other employment opportunities as housing shortages.
services, providing employment for those nearby.
Appendices Page 53
Quality of infrastructure is now a strong selling point for The foundation of the regions success in exporting ideas
the East of England. Stansted and Luton have been an has been the strong partnerships that organizations such
important part of this, with many more air routes flying into as EEDA and EERA have consciously sought to develop
the airport, as well as an increase in surface transport between the public and private sectors, and the higher
links within the region and beyond. The regions ports have education establishments. The universities have benefited
grown in importance as international gateways, but without most obviously from the strategic focus on R&D. Many of
being connected to the rest of the region; the trucks roll the regions universities now rank amongst the best in the
across from the North and the West, but do little for the country, topping the league tables to attract the most able
East of England, apart from distribution firms in the candidates, and able to charge the highest student fees,
surrounding areas. but others lag behind, focussing on producing high
volumes of graduates, rather than new innovations and
However, the development of the regions transport ideas. Continuous development in innovation and ideas
infrastructure has been a hard fight, and new housing and means continuous investment is vital. Some HE institutions
business developments have made the area a magnet for are following UEAs lead of the University of East Anglia and
environmental campaigners. Individuals in the region have setting up intellectual capital funds. Suffolk has finally got
quickly realized that they can only influence public policy its university a unique private/public initiative in which a
through collaboration with others, either by joining existing leading UK telecoms company opened up much of
organizations, or more frequently by forming transient, Martlesham to create a technology centre which
single issue groups which increasingly employ shock specialized only in higher degrees. The influential
tactics in order to garner publicity for their cause. The Committee of Vice Chancellors has been instrumental in
social impact of the environmental protests has been creating awareness of the value of the East of Englands
mixed. Whilst in some areas protests have acted as a research capability in the City. Investment finance hasnt
catalyst, helping to foster a strong sense of local been a problem. The same hi-speed rail connections that
community, in other localities the protests have had quite link Cambridge and the City of London mean that Europe,
the opposite effect: creating antagonism between local too is closer at hand.
communities and the land owners who are profiting from
development.
The region has got something right. After years of Similar patterns seem set to follow for the micro firms,
complaints about gaps in commercial and managerial many of whom are looking to sell their ideas to the highest
skills, it has invested heavily in developing these, at all bidder and move onto something new, or try to merge with
levels of the educational sector from secondary school other small firms working in the same sector in order to
onwards. Despite some initial concern from parts of the achieve critical mass and service larger companies on a
education sector, who feared that lifelong skills were being national or international scale. Alongside the lack of
traded for the short-term needs of the employment infrastructure, the lack of larger companies in the region is
market, it has quickly become clear that there isnt a a key factor in this relocation of small firms who are
trade-off. anxious to get closer to their customers. Skills shortages
are not a problem, except in some areas last weeks
Equally there have been an increasing emphasis on press front page announced Doctor lands Plumb Job,
building a strong regional identity based around cultural referring to a PHD student from Cambridge who had
regeneration and a small number of flagship recently trained to become a plumber and was now looking
developments, with a view to raising aspirations in the to establish a co-operative of like minded self employed
region and making the region more attractive to those from tradesman in the region.
outside. Key city centres have been modernised. Luton and
Peterborough are now thriving retail metropolises which Many in the key urban areas say little has changed in the
attract many shoppers from London and the South East, last twenty years and the recent government report on The
while Cambridges thriving arts scene is popular with State of the Regions suggest they are right. Statistical
young and old alike. indicators in relation to GDP, employment, housing,
congestion, health, and quality of life indicators etc, in
The result has been a steady growth in skills and almost all parts of the region, whether it be Bedfordshire,
aspirations in the region, which has improved the size, and Essex or Norfolk look the same as they were at the turn of
effectiveness, of the regions SMEs, and given rise to a the century. Research shows that internal and external
significant number of smaller micro businesses. Those perceptions of the region are also unchanged. Such a
who have found ways to connect themselves with the situation seems tolerable for some local residents, but the
regions existing gateways and the growth of hubs around exception is young people who seem to be heading either
North London, Cambridge and Milton Keynes tend to do North and South in search of excitement and opportunity,
better, as do the emerging leagues of smaller micro unimpressed by the retail parks and service jobs that seem
businesses who manage to tap into and grow from some of to dominate local employment opportunities for school
the ideas coming out of the university sector. leavers.
However, the relatively poor quality of infrastructure in The population is increasingly ageing, and many of them
most areas, and failed attempts to improve road, rail and feel disengaged in the new economy and SMEs that
air links mean that larger companies mostly stay away. emerge. Most are left out of the upskilling initiatives which
There are a few exceptions - the south and west of the have tended to focus in investing in youth for the future
region, where the infrastructure has long been in place, (many of whom are leaving to find work elsewhere). Most of
has done relatively well, spurred on a by a new generation those who are working beyond the traditional retirement
of middle managers and entrepreneurs who have moved age are in low paid service sector jobs, many of them
out of London to enjoy the quality of life and new levels of working in the growing health sector in the region.
venture capital and business support afforded to local However, reports of so called saga louts have been a
businesses by regional agencies. Some traditional niche recent feature in some areas of the local press, as many
sectors continue to do well, such as the automotive elderly feel devalued and disenchanted with the
industry including Formula One. opportunities available to them in the employment market.
However, even the growth of SMEs and micro businesses The surprise package is the development around some of
has been stifled in recent years. Despite the relative skilled the port towns. Some of them, notably those in the South of
workforce many of the most successful SMEs look to move the region thrive, as they have the infrastructure in place,
elsewhere in order to expand their business. and in the last five years seem to have taken on a life of
their own as European companies invest there, and visitor
numbers increase. Others, in the North of the region are
Appendices Page 55
struggling by comparison, in the light of creaking Broadband access is universal, but it has sparked the
infrastructure and land use restrictions. arrival of city workers at weekends for short breaks and
conferences, rather than major new business growth which
Another success story is the promising developments in benefits the local economy. Many local schools are under
new renewable energy technologies and other types of threat, and the health sector is a growth sector,
sustainable business. Wind farms off the east coast are particularly in the North of the region. Many former rural
now an accepted site, bringing new employment and primary schools are being bought up and developed into
growth to the region during what has otherwise been a local health care centres, part of the government drive for
fairly stagnant period. Farm land is increasingly being locally delivered services, although some are bought up by
turned to alternative uses, either small plots used for the private sector. While many of the young go south to get
growing premium products, or other produce sold in local a job, there is a migration of the elderly in the opposite
food markets (a growth market due to congestion in the direction.
region and across much of the UK), or biofuels, another
growth sector. The region is beginning to develop a Higher skilled people are more inventive in using ICT to
reputation as a role model for sustainable production, compensate for growing transport congestion, often
including locally sustainable transport solutions, opening up new market opportunities online. Diffusion of
something it has pursued as a method for dealing with the this technical expertise has given additional energy to the
environmental damage caused by congestion and lack of leisure and tourism sector, which also finds itself reaching
major infrastructure. new customers virtually, creating opportunities for a
virtuous cycle of new investment, more affluent visitors,
Although SMEs hadnt been the vision for the region at the and higher margins.
turn of the century, there are undoubted benefits. The lack
of transport investment means that the regions Cambridge, on the other hand, does not do so well. The
countryside and landscape are left relatively unspoilt. Rural boom years of the 90s and the phenomenon seem very
and coastal tourism are on the increase, particularly in the distant as the local economy over-heats. It is hard to afford
unspoilt countryside and market towns of the North and to live anywhere close to the city, except in new high
East of the region, as more and more urban dwellers look density housing complexes, (and congestion makes it
to escape for weekends away. The related service sector impossible to work in Cambridge and live further away).
has also faired well, although the planned improvement to
the east coast mainline will mean London dwellers can get
to Yorkshire and Northumbria as quickly as they can to
East Anglia.
The national and European competition for those with entrepreneurs stayed in the region and ploughed their gains
business management skills has intensified; and the East of back into new ventures.
England, which has always suffered from gaps in this area,
has lost out. Its Business Link has been too fragmented Without investment in transport infrastructure, the ICT has
across the region to compete when other areas developed to work harder. Although the fibre provision in the region is
their business super-hubs. At the same time, the region no better than elsewhere in the UK, a social technology
has lost out in the battle for new transport infrastructure. team originally sponsored by a leading telecoms firm and
The Thames Gateway has been developed, along with the the University of Essex has pioneered a wave of technologies
roads which connects it. But the M11 is a mass of gridlock, which gives rural areas and market towns fast access to
despite ever steeper tolls, and the regions rail links are as data. While large businesses stay away, cottage industries
slow as ever, with the exception of the high speed East Coast do well; niche businesses delivering specialist services and
link connecting Edinburgh to Stratford (via Peterborough) premium craft products to London and elsewhere. Such
and the Channel tunnel. Stansteds long-awaited additional businesses, sometimes sneered at as lifestyle hobbies for
runway has stalled in a morass of protest and litigation. the partners of people commuting to London to the south or
the new Milton Keynes conurbation to the North West,
The areas that prosper are those which have been able to nonetheless do something to mitigate rural deprivation in
connect innovation with some degree of entrepreneurialism. the region. Farming has continued to decline, split between
Cambridge is still a world class asset and brand which hobbyists and small organic or alternative crop providers
attracts the best brains from around the world (although on the one hand, and ever more capital intensive agri-
decreasingly from the UK). In Norwich, UEA has become a businesses on the other. Land use inevitably starts to
hub for research into new and renewable energy change, with some reverting to the traditionally diverse
technologies. Colchester, drawing on the strengths of the landscape, which benefited tourism and also improved
University in Social Sciences, is a European leader in social perceptions of the quality of life for those who lived in the
entrepreneurship. The new University of Suffolk has finally area. The RSPB, already a significant regional employer, has
given the region a knowledge base to match its maritime just opened a new research centre in north Norfolk, and a
sector. As it establishes itself, there are signs of an new wetland reserve is created in Suffolk. Biodiversity and
emerging R&D corridor along the A14 to Ipswich. Not all of the natural environment is a big winner, with the
this innovation has been driven by the academic sector. As combination of exclusively blue flag beaches along the east
the pharmaceuticals sector becomes less dependent on the coast of the region, new taxes on air travel, and rapid
long patent model and moves increasingly into the well- climate change springing a steady growth in landscape
being sector, so its innovation model has become more like tourism in the east of the region.
the games and software sector, and Hertfordshire has
evolved as a new pharmaceuticals centre, one of the Other land has been converted to energy crops and biofuels,
European leaders. with the growth of a new East Anglian faming co-operative
promoting their sustainable energy products under the from
Generally, though, the lack of large firms in the region has field to furnace brand. Transport infrastructure wasnt
put a brake on the economic potential. The problem is that everything, observe the protagonists of this new rural
the evolution of these knowledge businesses isnt economy. In a knowledge economy where the service sector
sustainable. They fizz and grow, and then are acquired for continued to expand remorselessly, point of view is said to
their patents or move elsewhere, often to London. The skills be the most valuable asset you can have.
base has repeatedly been found wanting when it comes to
long-term development, despite repeated efforts by regional If the British population is generally ageing, then the East of
economic and skills agencies to remedy this. One sector England is ageing faster. The region has long since suffered
which has done well has been the venture capital sector. The an outflow of younger people in their early twenties, and the
financial connections which initially existed around lack of city life in most of the region means that this trend
Cambridge expanded across the region, benefiting from the has not changed. But the low impact development means
easy access to their City colleagues. This proved to be a that the region was the sort of place that increasing
mixed blessing, however: the inevitable pressure from VCs numbers of families move to later in life, helped by more
for early exit strategies tended to enrich entrepreneurs at flexible working patterns which mean that those who would
the expense of the region, even if some of those once have been daily commuters tend now to work from
home some of the time. The coastal areas are increasingly
Appendices Page 57
the preserve of older people, alongside the holidaymakers, smaller hi-tech led businesses, but some parts of the region
some more retired than others, with parts of Norfolk known have been losing jobs at the rate of 7,000 a year, and these
by the local press as Gods waiting room. The resulting hi-tech innovation companies are not filling the gaps in
pressures on public services and the voluntary sector are urban communities like Dunstable and Luton, increasing
apparent from the lack of key service workers. Suffolks local seen as part of the commuter belt for Milton Keynes and
press recently ran a report on a key worker caravan site Greater London rather than part of the East of Englands
outside Ipswich where migrant service workers were staying future growth potential.
while searching for affordable housing in the area. Similar
stories have been heard elsewhere in the region. If economic growth is slow and patchy, at least the
environmental impact of the regions development is low.
Even here there was polarisation: some parts of the region The regions turbines export power (an increasingly
are dominated by retirement caravans which are the sign of valuable commodity) to London and to the Netherlands.
ageing poor, scraping by on whats left of the state pension; Nevertheless, the East of England has the last laugh at the
others are far more desirable and even quite affluent, expense of those critics who have accused it of lacking
populated by articulate members of the post-68 generation ambition. In 2017, in the face of impending ecological
who are still active and engaged. In the former areas, social catastrophe in Europe, the EU introduced a radical
services are stretched and abuse scandals surface regularly environmental directive with tough new environmental
in the local press. Polarisation is also a feature of the assessment and compliance conditions. As the Regional
innovation centres; the affluence of the knowledge sector is Assemblys leaders assessed the effect of the measures on
matched by the relative poverty of those employed in the the regions economy, they realised that the structural
burgeoning service sector which struggles by on the effect on the East of Englands economy of complying with
minimum wage, and can barely afford to live within striking the new measures would be the least disruptive of any
distance of the town centres, a challenge to planners. region in England. The region is self sufficient in energy,
and water, unlike many of its neighbours, is top of many
Congestion and new tax regimes discourage car use, but it green league tables and predicts that if it can get new
still takes an age to travel from Bedford to Luton in the transport systems to work it will be the first CO2 emissions
rush-hour. The regions conurbations are not attracting neutral region in Europe.
investment with the congestion, including bumper to
bumper traffic on the key road routes in the south-west of
the region, discouraging investment or any potential tourism
benefit from increased numbers of people passing through
the airports. The south and west of the region is increasing a
thoroughfare through which many people pass but few stop
to visit or do business in. manufacturing is all but gone in
the region the major players in the automotive industry
have withdrawn and located elsewhere, frustrated by the
lack of skills investment in the local workforce and creaking
transport infrastructure. Travel links benefit the visitors, but
do little for the local community or business. Some Luton
residents say it will soon be quicker for them to the US than
get to Bedford by car in the rush hour. Some local
authorities have looked into encouraging or providing new
sustainable forms of public transport, but with little
agreement across the region, most plans dont get beyond
the thinking stage another sign of the lack of regional
leadership, or ability of the region to punch its weight in
policy discussions at regional and national level. Pockets of
deprivation in the inner urban areas go unnoticed, and the
large employers in key urban areas are all but gone.
Employment is a major issue in some parts of the region
where traditional manufacturing and engineering have gone.
Some jobs have come from University spin off activity, and
Page 58 Appendices
EEDA and The Henley Centre would like to thank all those
organisations that attended one or more of the scenario
workshops:
Community & Voluntary Forum for the East of England Job Centre Plus
Council for the Protection of Rural England Kings Lynn Borough Council
Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Strategic Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership
Health Authority
The Countryside Agency
Peterborough City Council
The Environment Agency
Race Equality Council - Bedfordshire
The House Builders Federation
Regional Rural Affairs Forum
Thurrock Council
Renewable East
UK Trade and Investment
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Bedfordshire
University of Cambridge
Rural Action East
University of East Anglia
Shaping the Future Norfolk
University of Hertfordshire
Small Business Service, Eastern Region
University of Luton
Southern & Eastern Region Trade Unions Congress
Waveney Chamber of Commerce
St. Edmundsbury Borough Council
Waveney District Council
Star FM
The Henley Centre
11-33 St John Street
London
EC1M 4PJ
w: www.henleycentre.com The Henley Centre
1
Schwartz, P. (1998): The art of the long view, (p 163), Wiley, Chichester