ERN Research Papers
ERN has an established track record of commissioning research on regional policy issues.
Sub-Regional Planning
This report investigates current practice in sub-regional spatial planning, and proposes recommendations as to how it can be organised in future based on good practice and to enable proper account to be taken taken of the circumstances of the particular sub-region.
Download Report>> Models for Sub-Regional Spatial Planning 2008 (Full Report)
Download Report>> Models for Sub-Regional Spatial Planning 2008 (Appendices)
Regional Assemblies and the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007
This report provides an analysis of the past, current and potential activities of the Assemblies to form an evidence base for a collective contribution to central Government departments in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007.
The report includes:
- Six Key Policy Recommendations
- Main points for CSR 2007
- Strengths of the Regional Assemblies
- Roles and Core Functions of the Assemblies
- Strategic Added Value
- Case studies
Download Report>> Adding Value to the Regions
Regional Development
Through the Lisbon Agenda, the European Union aims to create the most dynamic and competitive knowledge based economy in the world. The UK Presidency of the EU has prompted us to showcase the significant contribution that England is making to that goal. England accounts for 84% of the UK's population and 85% of UK GDP. This joint project brings together examples of actions by the English regional assemblies and development agencies and the Mayor of London to deliver jobs and growth.
Download Report>> The English Regions - Delivering Growth and Jobs
An analysis of economic and demographic trends that are likely to shape the way in which England develops over the next 25yrs. The report goes on to describe a 'prognosis' for England in 2030 and discusses possible interventions that could lead to a different outcome.
Download Report>> Regional Futures: England's Regions in 2030 (full report)
Download Report>> Regional Futures: England's Regions in 2030 (summary report)
Regional Funding Allocations
This report provides a desk top analysis of the eight sets of Regional Funding Allocations Advice prepared jointly by Regional Assemblies, Regional Development Agencies and Government Offices. The report gives a commentary on the various approaches adopted in the preparation and presentation of the advice to Government and on the regional spending priorities for housing, transport and economic development.
Download Report>> Desktop Analysis of Regional Funding Allocation Advice to Government
Regional Governance
This report presents the findings from Stage 2 of an ERN research project entitled 'Joining Up Regional Governance and the Chapter 2 Agenda for Regional Assemblies'. It examines the central government perspective on Chapter Two of the Regions White Paper 'Your Region, Your Choice' through a programme of semi-structured interviews with senior Whitehall officials responsible for overseeing the regional aspects of their departments' activities. Officials in eight central government departments were interviewed.
Download Report>> The Chapter 2 Agenda & Regional Assemblies. Part II The Whitehall View 2005
The survey is the first stage of a two-part research programme, examining the nature and level of Member involvement in the work of Regional Assemblies.
Download Report>> The Role of Regional Assembly Members: The Survey 2005
Regional Policy Integration
This report presents the findings from a research project designed to explore the range of approaches being adopted by Regional Assemblies (outside London) to the integration agenda and to clarify the key challenges involved in integration. The project is formative and developmental, in that it seeks to support the work of the Assemblies, identifying and disseminating good practice and proposing solutions to key challenges.
Download Report>> Integration of Regional Strategies Report 2005
Regional Scrutiny
This report presents the findings from a piece of research designed to support the development of effective systems for capturing the outputs, outcomes and overall impact of regional scrutiny. The research sought to build upon earlier work by developing a series of scrutiny performance indicators which could be piloted within case study regions.
Download Report>> Measuring the Processes, Outputs & Outcomes of Regional Scrutiny
ERN Scrutiny handbook for Assembly Members and Officers.
Download Report>> Regional Scrutiny Handbook 2004
A thorough review of scrutiny arrangements in the eight English Regional Assemblies.
Download Report>> The Development of Regional Scrutiny 2003
Good practice material.
Download Report>> The Development of Regional Scrutiny Good Practice Material 2003
Sustainable Development
The report of a pilot to improve the integration of sustainable development in the regional scrutiny process.
Download Report>> Promoting Sustainable Development Through Regional Scrutiny 2004
This guide contains advice and examples of how to promote sustainable development within all scrutiny reviews and how to undertake scrutiny reviews that focus on sustainable development. It also includes a checklist of things to consider every time an Assembly conducts a scrutiny review.
Download Report>> Promoting Sustainable Development Through Regional Scrutiny 2004- draft guide for Scrutiny Officers
An evaluation of the effectiveness of RSDF with recommendations for further development and improvement.
Download Report>> Research into Regional Sustainable Development Frameworks 2003
Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit an enormous range of sustainability tools and mechanisms have been developed. This research reviews tools that could be used by regional partners.
Download Report>> Literature Review of 21 Sustainable Development Tools 2003
In depth investigation of action planning, sustainability appraisal, voluntary agreements (compacts), area sustainability indicators and scrutiny.
Download Report>> Briefing on Selected Sustainable Development Tools 2003 (KC3: LINK)
Funding Regional Assemblies
This study assesses how far funding has kept pace with growth in Regional Assembly functions and it considers options for funding Assemblies.
Download Report>> Funding Regional Assemblies 2004
Regional Assembly Practices
A review of mechanisms and processes being used to further inter-regional collaboration between the eight partnership Regional Assemblies. The report proposes practical steps to support the development of effective collaboration.
Download Report>> Inter-regional collaboration 2004