West Midlands International Strategy
The West Midlands International Strategy is intended to bring together good work, ambition, and regional strengths to develop and enhance the West Midlands’ reputation worldwide.
The Strategy will contribute to the delivery of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Plan for Growth and support the regional economy through increased trade, investment, innovation, talent attraction and visitor economy growth.
Against a backdrop of ongoing recovery from the pandemic, global challenges, risks and uncertainties continue to exist. However, the West Midlands region continued to show what can be achieved in partnership with Government when it comes together, an ideal example being what it was able to deliver and leverage from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. That success, the positive momentum, and a consistent desire to ensure that the region takes its deserved place on the global stage provides the rationale for developing an International Strategy.
With the recent Deeper Devolution Deal for the West Midlands, the region committed to co-developing an International Strategy with the Department for Business & Trade. This Strategy will build on what has been achieved and create a unique West Midlands approach to our place in the world in a way that brings jobs, growth and prosperity to the region and builds stronger, more sustainable links to new markets and opportunities.
Green Paper
A Green Paper (available below) has been produced following an extensive research and stakeholder engagement process that sought to establish this paper’s baseline evidence and data. It was developed in close partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority, the seven Metropolitan authorities, the West Midlands Growth Company, and the Department for Business & Trade. It was approved for consultation by the region’s Economic Growth Board on 16th November 2023.
Click here to view the Green Paper.
Consultation Period
A consultation period ended on Tuesday, 6th February 2024. Via the survey, we achieved a full and varied insight of opinions. The feedback and insight is being utilised to develop this Green Paper into the West Midlands International Strategy, with a delivery plan for 2024/25.
