West Midlands Regional Focus
Manufacturing has long been a large part of the West Midlands economy and a source
of work and wealth for its people. It is widely known as the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution which began in the 19th Century.
For more than 100 years the region commanded great importance, for all kinds of
manufactured goods from pottery to tools, cutlery and jewellery.
The rapidly changing nature of the UK and global economy during the latter half
of the 20th century and the new 21st century has proved a challenging one for the
West Midlands economy to adapt to.
The adoption of cluster strategies has allowed the region to develop world class
capabilities in a number of modern industries, in both the manufacturing and service
sectors. Its automobile and aerospace industries continue to develop and expand,
while its universities and hospitals have become centres for R&D, seeking to develop
new products in fields such as ICT and medical technology.
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