Economic development
CRESR has a long standing interest in research and evaluation of government programmes aimed at stimulating investment and growth in local and regional economies. Several staff members at the centre have been involved in studies in this area for local, regional, national and European organisations, ranging from government bodies to research councils and charities.
We seek to understand the dynamics of local and regional economies and the drivers for economic development in a given context. We evaluate programmes and projects that aim to promote economic growth and assess their impact on geographic areas and communities. Our research informs EU, national, regional and local strategy and policy.
Examples of recent work include:
- an assessment of schemes promoting higher level skills as a basis for improved economic performance
- a review of rural community-based social enterprises as a basis for reviving village economies
- a study of the economic links between coalfield areas undergoing regeneration and neighbouring cities
- an estimate of the scale and nature of the seaside tourism industry
Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2013-2019
Talent Match is a Big Lottery Funding initiative of up to £100 million. It is investing resources in a number of areas in England where youth unemployment is a significant issue. BIG will invest for a period of up to five years to improve the lives of people aged 18-24 who have been out of education, employment or training for 12 months or more. The aims of the evaluation and learning contract are: to track the success of the programme and projects within it; to identify what works well, for whom and in what circumstances; and to share learning and improve practice.
Evaluation of the Sheffield Community Network
Project Director: Dr Richard Crisp
Project Duration: 2012-2013
Impact evaluation of the Sheffield Community Network which aims to promote digital inclusion and social enterprises within disadvantaged areas in Sheffield.
The Social Benefits of Engagement with Culture and Sport
Project Director: Professor Peter Taylor (SIRC)
Project Duration: 2012-2013
Commissioned under the DCMS CASE programme this project seeks to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture and sport on well-being. The study provides evidence on an array of social impacts and provides guidance as to how impact can be measured in the future.
Meta Evaluation of the 2012 games
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2011-2013
Peter Wells is acting as an expert adviser to the team undertaking the Meta Evaluation of the London 2012 Games (Olympics and Paralympics). The role involves the review of the reports being produced by the evaluation team.
Measuring and Demonstrating Impact and Value
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2012
This project supports the development of CRESR’s work in outcome and impact measurement. It is working with NHS Rotherham (on the Green Deal), the Charity Bank, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, and Involve Yorkshire and the Humber.
Staff undertaking research include
Christina Beatty Professor Steve Fothergill Dr Tony Gore Professor Paul Lawless Professor Peter Wells Ian Wilson
Get in touch
For further information please contact Tony Gore at t.gore@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 3561.
Key clients
Business and trade associations
Department for Communities and Local Government
Department for Work and Pensions
Furness Enterprise Ltd
Go Racing in Yorkshire
Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Local authorities
Local enterprise partnerships
Small Business Service
Welsh Assembly Government