Key drivers in 'Leading the Way'

The revised Regional Economic Strategy, ‘Leading the Way’, focuses on Business, People and Place as the key drivers for boosting economic development.

These themes emerged from the Strategic Horizons in the North East (SHiNE) project. Their objectives have been carefully selected so that the region can achieve its growth targets through economic development that is sustained and involves everyone in the North East.

Collective regional leadership

This involves businesses, communities and organisations working together more collaboratively to both challenge and champion the North East.

Business

Enterprise - Increasing the number of companies in the North East.

Business solutions - Increasing the productivity of existing companies, boosting job and business opportunities.

Preparing for structural change - Re-establish innovation and creativity as a significant contributor to the region’s prosperity and identity.

People

Skills - Improving skills levels to boost productivity and participation in the region’s workforce.

Economic inclusion – Getting more people back into work and improving their health.

Place

Strategic regeneration - Driving the region’s economy through the provision of quality sites, high-speed Internet access and transport links to support labour markets, manufacturing and service sectors.

Business accommodation - Ensuring high quality business premises are available.

Transport and Internet connectivity - Identifying priorities for transport investment to support increased economic activity, business competitiveness and thriving communities. Using broadband telecommunications to underpin the creation of a knowledge economy accessible to all, and exploiting new technologies as they emerge.

Promoting natural and cultural assets - Exploiting the region’s quality of life and the economic potential provided by cultural, natural and heritage assets and the projection of a positive regional image.