This report by Dr Chris Dimos, Dr Aida Garcia-Lazaro and Charles Carter investigates productivity and innovation in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WofE CA) and offers comparisons to selected Mayoral Combined Authorities.

This research extends previous work by providing additional insights on the topic, utilising new data at the establishment level provided by the Office for National Statistics. The use of microdata enabled the aggregation of establishment-level data to the desired regional level for a wider set of establishment characteristics including ownership, size, profitability and industrial affiliation. This enables a more detailed analysis of how productivity and innovation vary across establishment characteristics.

The report also investigates the motivations and obstacles to innovation. The combination of microdata from the ONS with broader regional analysis makes this study a valuable tool for policymakers and stakeholders looking to enhance the WofE CA's business environment and regional competitiveness and successfully implement WofE CA's Plan for Innovation.