On 24 June, Insights North East (INE) held its annual conference that brought together more than 200 policymakers, academics, and practitioners for a day of rich discussion at a vital time for the region where both devolution and the new government present great opportunities for the North East.
The North East Mayor Kim McGuinness opened the conference focussing on the pride of the region and how regional policymakers and academics can use the opportunity of devolution to create policies that benefit the people of the North East.
“Too often, we think of local pride, of our identity, as the add-on that comes after we create a new manufacturing site. But for millions of people, their local identity is the very reason they are looking for work or raising a family here.” said Ms McGuinness.
“If we stick to that business-as-usual approach, we will never end the child poverty which traps families in desperation and undermines our economic potential.
“So, we need to rethink devolution, and our use of the tools available so that we start from the ground up, from the foundations. We have to get this right, because right now the potential of devolution means nothing to a single mum trying to find local work in a Consett supermarket, or a young man with little education and nowhere to learn a trade in Blyth.”
Keynote speaker, Dr Fiona Hill, foreign affairs specialist, author, former presidential advisor, and Chancellor of Durham University, drew together her insights from a global perspective, notably Germany and USA, on how the North East can adopt practices and approaches that have positively influenced the growth of cities and regions. She also shared a challenge about ensuring wide engagement and inclusion:
“The challenge on every front—and the question before voters in our elections—is how to reinvigorate and reshape our domestic democratic and international systems to grasp and ensure a future for the largest number of people, not just for a privileged few.
“Individual countries need to take a hard look at whether their political and economic structures support the demographic, social, and technological changes they are contending with. We need fresh thinking that brings in different perspectives and voices and encourages more shared responsibility and collective action.”
Both speakers set the tone for a thought-provoking day for the attendees to discuss and explore how they can influence and shape the region’s priorities. Following the opening remarks and keynotes, delegates joined several breakout sessions to engage in further in-depth conversations on alternative approaches to regional development, transitioning to a sustainable region, public service reform, and embedding community voices and remaking social infrastructure.
The key takeaways from these breakout sessions will inform INE’s future work to create a more prosperous region. INE is excited to continue building on its work with its partners and the community.
Insights North East (INE) works to make a positive and long-term impact for people in the North East by connecting the region’s policymakers to evidence and actionable insights. We are a collaboration between the region’s universities, North East Combined Authority (NECA), the local authorities, NHS Trusts and the Integrated Care Board. We are also working with the Third Sector including Business and Community Groups. To learn more and to get involved, visit insightsnortheast.co.uk
