I am delighted to introduce to you the South West Observatory’s Annual Report 2008-09.
This report takes a look at areas in which the network has been active over the past twelve months and considers what will be taking up its time over the coming year. It also describes important developments in terms of funding, staffing and organisation, which leave the Observatory considerably stronger, better resourced and in great shape to inform and support the full range of regional stakeholders working in intelligence, strategic thinking and policymaking as we move forward over the next few years.
Most importantly, a new three year funding agreement with the South West RDA enables us to plan effectively for the future and to ensure that we are able to address key issues on the regional agenda. Central to this will be the Single Regional Strategy (SRS) and a need to ensure that this is grounded in a shared understanding of the evidence base. Similarly, we are now well positioned to support the development of the emerging Local Economic Assessments (LEAs), which will impact upon Local Authorities throughout the region.
Over the past year, recession and signs of economic recovery have dominated at the regional level. Looking further ahead, the pressures of climate change and demographic shift will loom large once theeconomic storm has passed. Indeed, these themes formed the backdrop to another successful Annual Conference, hosted this year in the splendid surrounds of Brunel’s Passenger Shed at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol. Under the banner, ‘Weathering Storms: RegionalResilience and Future Proofing’, the Conference brought together a succession of experts and observers to stimulate debate among an audience of analysts and policy-makers working across the region.
We hope this left those attending better informed and better equipped to help shape the future of the South West. Our overarching aim remains to deliver and disseminate relevant and timely evidence in order to assist and respond to the needs of those working within strategy and policymaking in the region. This is an exciting time in the Observatory’s development and I invite those who may not have previously used the network to tap into its wealth of experts and resources.
We look forward to working together with you and with all regional partners over the coming year to ensure that evidence is put at the forefront of decision-making in the South West.
- Professor Martin Boddy, Chair of the Observatory Boad
