Understanding the current situation in, and prospects for, specific sectors and sub-sectors of the economy is important for national, regional and local government and for individual firms. For the public sector at the national level, the intention may be to reshape policy frameworks or guide strategic dialogue with major firms. At the regional level there may be a need to publicise strengths as part of a promotional or marketing campaign. Or there may be a concern to understand particular problems or weaknesses so as to package a set of measures to help smooth the processes of restructuring (e.g. in the light of a major firm’s cutbacks or closure) or to help foster productivity improvements in individual firms, perhaps through supply chain initiatives.
SQW has experience of work covering many different sectors. In the high-tech sphere, we have undertaken a series of projects related to biotechnology and biomedicine, including evaluations of assistance programmes, training in entrepreneurship skills, establishment of a regional network and market research for major property developments to serve the needs of biotechnology and biomedicine. Other studies have looked at similar aspects of other sectors, including polymers, electronics, information technology and communications industries, oil and gas.
Alongside sectors, clusters have increasingly been recognised as a serious vehicle for economic development. Through clustering behaviour, it has been argued that the competitiveness of firms, and by implication the local economies in which they are based, can be enhanced significantly. However the concept of clusters has frequently been misused. In particular there has often been a slippage between the identification of places as clusters, and the form of business behaviour that is consistent with clustering. SQW has worked within a number of sectoral and geographical contexts in order to explore the scope and potential for cluster building. We have undertaken research aimed at developing the cluster concept, worked with partners in order to develop initiatives that might be put in place to enhance their competitiveness, and we have been involved in helping to implement cluster building programmes.
Examples of SQW Consulting projects
North West health and social care industries study
SQW undertook a review of the health and social care sector in North West England in order to (a) analyse the degree to which the industries display the characteristics of an existing or embryonic cluster, or the degree to which supply chains within the industries are influenced by other clusters’ processes; and (b) investigate the scope for leveraging the non-clinical activities associated with the providers of health and social care, primarily the NHS, to impact wider priorities for social and economic regeneration. The study involved the characterisation of the health and social care sector, the market dynamics associated with this sector and its links with other clusters. We consulted with health, social care and economic development professionals to scope out areas for joint action on social and economic regeneration priorities, using the leverage potential of NHS activities.
Development of a food and drink industry strategy for the East of England
Leading a team of consultants, SQW was commissioned to undertake a programme of work leading to the development of a food and drink industry strategy for the East of England. The assignment was divided into four phases. The first phase was concerned with baselining and involved in-depth data analysis along with six case studies of food and drink industry supply chains. Subsequent phases were focused on an analysis of industry trends and drivers, strategy development and action planning.
West Midlands ICT cluster strategy and action plan
Advantage West Midlands aims to support the development of the Information & Communications Technology cluster in the West Midlands, in support of the Regional Economic Strategy. SQW was commissioned to undertake a mapping study of the West Midlands ICT cluster, and to develop a strategy for the cluster’s development, in the light of the national and global industry contexts. Our tasks involved an analysis of the cluster’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; the development of a strategic framework for the cluster; the development of action plans; and assistance in designing appropriate implementation structures and processes. The assignment involved close consultation with stakeholders from the private and public sectors throughout the project, and facilitating agreement between the stakeholders on the way forward for the cluster.
Environmental economy in the South East
SQW has worked with Land Use Consultants and Cambridge Econometrics on a series of studies concerned with developing the scope and potential of the South East’s environmental economy. The focus has been on mapping and quantifying the scale of the sector and its contribution to regional employment and output, and establishing the roles of the environmental sector – direct and indirect – in relation to the strength of the regional economy.
R&D Institute for the media sector
SQW was commissioned by NWDA to undertake a scoping study into the concept of an R&D Institute for the sector based in Salford as part of a wider initiative associated with the establishment of a Media Enterprise Centre; to review needs and opportunities for the sector in the North of England; to assess national (and international) significance of the “vision” that is emerging; and to identify interesting/leading practice examples of comparable Institutes nationally and internationally.
Competitive analysis of the Polymer and Plastics Industry in the Island of Ireland
SQW, alongside RAPRA, was commissioned to research, plan and produce a sector report on the polymer and plastics industry in the Island of Ireland. This involved an analysis of a range of data relevant to the sector in order to produce an up-to-date baseline, and an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the industry. Following on from this, we benchmarked the sector’s performance with other European countries, and considered a variety of relevant competitiveness factors. We concluded by outlining a series of action recommendations to shape and advance the future development of the sector. A further objective of the study was to assess the nature of linkages and networks within the sector, both domestically in Northern Ireland and the Republic (and across the border), and internationally with the wider polymer and plastics industry abroad.