As part of its remit, the Observatory – delivered by The EIU – hosted and supported multiple events, alongside convening partners on behalf of the Midlands Engine via its Research, Intelligence and Policy Partnership (RIPP), research meetings and other events as needed. Examples are below:

Economic Briefings

The Observatory hosted seminars (both virtual and in-person) through which it disseminated research findings and hosted panel discussions on relevant topics. These briefings were open to anyone open to learn more about the health of the Midlands economy, particularly those working in economic and business development within local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, universities and government, alongside political leaders, advisers and industry.

Access past Economic Briefing event summaries here:

Research, Intelligence and Policy Partnership (RIPP)

In early 2023, the Midlands Engine Observatory launched the Research, Intelligence and Policy Partnership (RIPP) — a cross-sector forum bringing together regional government, academic, and business organisations. Building on the foundations of its predecessors — the Midlands Engine Intelligence Community (MEIC) and the Midlands Engine Research Partnership (MERP) — the RIPP introduced a new policy-focused dimension to the region’s collaborative intelligence efforts.

Meeting three times a year, the RIPP provided a platform to align research priorities, co-develop strategic insights, and attract external funding. Its members collectively informed regional policy reviews and contributed to major strategy documents, strengthening the evidence base for decision-making across the Midlands.