The West Midlands is poised to become a powerhouse of economic renewal, with the potential to create nearly 100,000 new jobs and inject £6.5 billion annually into the UK economy by 2035, according to a major new report.

Commissioned by the Universities of Warwick and Birmingham, the independent report lays the groundwork for the upcoming West Midlands Regional Growth Plan, set to be launched in June by Mayor Richard Parker. The analysis outlines a bold yet achievable vision for economic transformation, rooted in the region’s proven strengths — including electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, green energy, advanced logistics, professional services, aerospace, and digital innovation. 

Using global success stories from regions like Saxony (Germany), Lille (France), and Porto (Portugal), the report presents two realistic economic models forecasting:

  • Up to 99,000 new jobs across high-growth industries
  • A reversal of underperformance with regional growth outpacing the UK average
  • An annual economic uplift of £6.5 billion driven by investment in high-productivity sectors

The report breaks down contributions by local authority, underscoring the widespread potential across the West Midlands:

  • Birmingham: National leader in productivity across digital, logistics, EVs, aerospace, and professional services.  
  • Coventry: Second in the UK for EV productivity; a vital hub for creative and aerospace sectors.  
  • Dudley: Anchored in traditional manufacturing and industrial infrastructure.
  • Sandwell: Top 10 in the UK for logistics, aerospace, EVs, and modular housing.  
  • Solihull: Number one UK location for EV productivity and a top performer in smart energy and professional services.  
  • Walsall: Leading in vehicle and fabricated metal manufacturing with a key role in industrial supply chains.  
  • Wolverhampton: A contributor to aerospace and metal clusters with strong expansion potential.

The report also emphasizes the pivotal role of West Midlands universities in accelerating growth. Institutions like Warwick and Birmingham are not only academic powerhouses but also key drivers of R&D, skills development, and start-up ecosystems. 

Strengthening ties between universities and industries is crucial, the report notes, to turn research breakthroughs into real-world economic impact. Mayor Richard Parker hailed the findings as a clear call to action: “This report confirms what I’ve long believed — the West Midlands has everything it needs to succeed.

“By focusing on our core strengths and unlocking the potential of our people, we can deliver real jobs, real growth, and real opportunity in every corner of the region. After years of underperformance, the time has come to invest with intent.

“My upcoming Regional Growth Plan will deliver that focus.” Rachel Wolf, CEO of research consultancy Public First, added: “Our modelling shows that the West Midlands is underperforming relative to its potential.

“By applying lessons from international counterparts, the region can significantly boost productivity and job creation.” Professor Stuart Croft DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, echoed that sentiment: “This report lays out a compelling and coherent economic vision.

“Warwick has a vital role to play, not only as a top UK and global university but as a committed partner in shaping our region’s future.” While the report highlights the power of devolved leadership under the West Midlands Mayor, it also calls for greater collaboration with central government to amplify the impact of targeted investment and policy reform.

 

The full West Midlands Growth Plan is set to be unveiled in June, detailing how Mayor Parker will bring this economic vision to life — and position the West Midlands as a beacon of innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.