Findings here suggest that the West Midlands is extremely well placed to build upon a strong automotive supply-chain, recognised engineering skills and a record of innovation; world class R&D capabilities; a supportive policy environment; and a number of niche manufacturers in bringing low carbon vehicle technologies to market. Indeed, there are numerous examples of good practice in bringing forward products, supporting infrastructure and giving members of the public in the region an opportunity to trial alternatively fuelled vehicles. Notwithstanding this conducive platform, driving forward innovation and economic development in a new emerging technology sector requires a coordinated and holistic approach, involving multiple layers of government, backed up a strong a supportive policy framework, encompassing sustainable demand and supply-side policies. Such a context has been apparent through the actions of the former regional development agency, and strong momentum has been gained over recent years through numerous publically supported projects. However, the abolition of regional government in England presents a serious challenge, which will require the new LEPs across the region to work collaboratively and innovatively in order to attract funding and to ensure that the regional economic development benefits arising from future growth of the market for LCVs are fully realised. In drawing lessons that might be applied to automotive clusters elsewhere, the UK experience demonstrates some good practice as well as areas where policy has not worked so well. A positive lesson to be drawn is the effectiveness of joined-up solutions and partnership working which engages industry, government at all levels, research institutions and energy suppliers collaboratively. Alongside this, the automotive industry itself has played a key role in forming, leading and delivering solutions. At a regional level, the West Midlands has benefited (and potentially will continue to benefit) from building upon key historical strengths and an established cluster rather than attempting to develop new industries from a position of weakness. At the same time, whilst the government should be applauded for the package of supply and demand initiatives introduced to support development, application and consumption of LCV technologies, the balance of these is considerably out of step. Much more attention needs to be paid in these early years to a demand push if potential economic benefits are to be maximised.


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    Title :

    Capturing the economic benefits of a transformative shift to low carbon automobility: A case study of the West Midlands, UK


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2012


    Size :

    10 Seiten, 2 Tabellen, 36 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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