An evaluation of regional cluster development activity in the West Midlands Combined Authority area

The Combined Authority (WMCA) wanted to strengthen its flagship cluster development programme and make timely decisions as it moved to a new delivery model. It commissioned a proportionate, formative process evaluation across ten industry clusters, with in-depth analysis of two. Supporting prime contractor My Local Economy, PolicyDepartment contributed to the stakeholder consultation, review of governance and operating models, the co-design of options with cluster managers, and benchmarking against comparable areas, setting out practical recommendations and an implementation roadmap.