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
