Our latest thinking on the issues that matter most in economic and social development through our Viewpoint series, and our latest published reports. Our older Viewpoint ‘thought piece’ publications are available from the archive.
March 2021
In February 2021, the UK Government announced the establishment of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Drawing on our experience, we offer four reflections on ARIA at this early stage.
March 2021
Historic England commissioned SQW to examine examples of social prescribing in the heritage sector and explore opportunities for expansion. The study indicated real potential and appetite for social prescribing to achieve positive outcomes and address health inequalities through projects related to heritage.
February 2021
The Towns Fund is a £3.6bn economic development fund administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. SQW was commissioned to support partners in Cheadle - a town within Stockport district - to develop a compelling and well evidenced Town Investment Plan as part of the Towns Fund process.
February 2021
Creative Europe was launched by the European Union in January 2014 to provide support to the creative, cultural and audiovisual sectors. As the UK reorients itself following its exit from the European Union, the opportunity to reflect on the effect that Creative Europe has had on the sectors across the four nations is timely.
Photo credit: Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University
February 2021
A toolkit to share the learning emerging from the evaluation of the Macmillan Local Authority Partnership Programme is now available. The evaluation spanned three years and involved partnerships between Macmillan and localities in four areas of the UK.
February 2021
Research England commissioned SQW to develop an initial framework for identifying potential ecosystem ‘city pairs’, focusing on the UK and USA. The framework was intended to be a pragmatic and quick-to-implement tool for identifying potential city pairs that could have comparable ecosystems.