Government needs a “radical rethink” of the way departments work with regional mayors, universities and businesses to drive growth through international relations, according to the findings of a commission hosted by the University of Birmingham.
The Commission on Devolution and Diplomacy, overseen by Birmingham University’s City-Region Economic Development Institute, says England’s cities and regions are being held back by an “outdated approach” to international engagement.
One of the results of the lack of a “coherent” strategy for international engagement is that investment, jobs and influence are being left “on the table” in the face of intensifying global competition, it says.
The commission’s report calls for a “new era” of sub-national diplomacy that enables cities and regions to play a more active role in attracting investment, supporting trade, promoting tourism and strengthening Britain’s international influence.
Among its recommendations are the creation of a “Devolved Diplomacy Unit” in the Cabinet Office, which would be tasked with improving co-ordination between Whitehall and local partners.
The commission is also calling for a new devolution “growth package” across trade, skills, innovation, business support and tourism that would support regions in pursuing internationally-led growth.
Other measures include the creation of a sub-national diplomacy strategy and the establishment of a new network of regional trade envoys.
Rebecca Riley, professor of enterprise, engagement, and impact at Birmingham University and co-director of City-REDI, said the UK’s current approach to supporting region-level outreach leaves much to be desired.
“While Whitehall primarily retains responsibility for international economic and diplomatic activity, mayors, local authorities, universities and civic institutions are increasingly building their own global partnerships and networks,” she said.
“Too often, however, these efforts are fragmented, unevenly supported and disconnected from national priorities. As a result, the UK is not making the most of its local strengths or fully capturing the opportunities available to it.
“Addressing this challenge is more imperative than ever, with global competition becoming steeper, protectionism becoming more common, and geopolitical instability causing widely felt economic shocks. Our report sets out how, by adopting a more co-ordinated approach to international engagement through a national framework, cities, regions and the national government can reap more rewards.”
Although the commission’s report seeks change, it highlights examples from across England that have worked well, including Greater Manchester's international strategy, the Toyota City Partnership in Derbyshire, and the Invest in UK University R&D Midlands campaign.
East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said devolution is about trusting local leaders to make the decisions that are right for their communities.
“If we are serious about delivering growth across the whole country, regions must have the powers, partnerships and support they need to attract investment, create jobs and drive innovation,” she said.
“This report sets out a clear and practical way forward for closer working between national and regional government. If we want mayors and combined authorities to play a bigger role in trade, investment and international engagement, we must give them the tools to do so, so that communities across England can benefit from the jobs, growth and opportunities that follow.”
Civil Service World sought a response from the Department for Business and Trade.