What we do
The NWDA Research Team has the cross-cutting theme of providing
support to NWDA colleagues and regional partners as the Research
and Intelligence Unit (RIU) which is the Regional
Observatory for the Northwest.
The team collect, analyse and disseminate key regional
information in order to present an accurate and continuously
updated picture of the socio-economic and environmental structure
of Northwest England to influence the economic development of the
region in the future. This is achieved through:-
- Collation of published data and research from a wide range of
sources
- Data and analysis providing it to customers in an easy to
understand format
- Monitoring and benchmarking of data
- Commission strategic research
- Economic forecasting, published quarterly
and available to business and public sector
- Briefings on research/policy
- Helping to disseminate and widen access to data and
intelligence via the RIU Extranet
- Support the development of the Regional Strategy
- Signposting to datasets and provide advice on usage
- GIS capability including digital aerial photography covering
the entire Northwest
The Research and Intelligence Unit is divided into three areas
of focus:-
- Regional Observatory - Implementing
the external observatory and dissemination/conference activity,
sourcing, assessing and delivering monitoring statistics, enquiry
handling, product development and data storage handling.
- Research - Responsible for the
professional supply, maintenance and improvement of information and
intelligence provision to internal NWDA staff and external
partners.
- Economic Intelligence - Provide an
incisive and tailored analysis of regional economic data and
national and regional economic policy.