This report presents an analysis of productivity levels and growth in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East and also examines supply and demand for skills and training activity within these regions. Enhancing the skills base is a core aim of local and regional policy makers and is also a key concern for employers and other stakeholders. Investment in knowledge and skills, or ‘human capital’ in the parlance of economists, is an important driver of productivity. Education and training are also extremely important determinants of the ability of individuals to enter and remain in work and make positive career transitions. The ability of regional economies to respond to, and capitalise on, challenges and opportunities presented by, for example, the diffusion of digital and other technologies and climate concerns, and attract inward investment, also depends on the presence of a suitably skilled workforce.
The report reviews official data relating to productivity, skills and training and summarises key policy proposals relating to skill development in the region. The report also includes insights obtained from roundtable discussions involving individuals from the Yorkshire, the Humber and North East business and policy communities.
Authors Redouane Sarrakh, Jason Heyes, Sam Killick, Kate Penney
