The report discusses some of the major trends, challenges and policy issues in medium sized city regions in the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It provides an overview of the Newcastle economy, looking at the region’s role within both the national and international economy. The major assets of the Newcastle economy are described, including competitive higher education institutions, increased natural and cultural amenities and improved accessibility and infrastructure. The report looks at specific policies to enhance and promote competitiveness within the Newcastle metropolitan region, relating to innovation, business support activities, support for human capital, and enhancing infrastructure and accessibility. It addresses governance issues for Newcastle and the north east of England.

The review was conducted in order to examine why and how some medium sized city regions are economically more successful than others, as well as to provide a context for the assessment of Newcastle and the north east of England, and consequent policy analysis in building competitiveness.

Various sources of information relating to the economic performance of the Newcastle metropolitan area and the north east of England were reviewed, in partnership with Newcastle City Council, One NorthEast, Government Office for the North East, and the United Kingdom Government.

The untapped potential exists within the Newcastle city region and the north east of England, however, it needs better integration in order to build the critical mass required to compete domestically and internationally. The weak and fragmented governance structure in the north east indicates that consolidating governance functions of local authorities and strengthening governance capacity at the city region level may be a good idea.

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Jonathan Kings, tel. +33 (0)1 452 41639

01/07/2006

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OECD

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Urban economy