Government is committed to ‘levelling up’, so that every corner of the country can benefit and share in future prosperity. Transport connectivity is an essential input into the efficient functioning of markets, reducing the costs of doing business and supporting linkages between key sectors of the economy. More efficient and faster delivery of major projects are fundamental to job creation and so a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. We are therefore enhancing the national strategic transport network, shifting the focus of DfT investment towards major projects that link the towns, cities and left behind places outside of London and the South East.
Key areas of focus are:
• More productive cities and towns
• Support local growth and regeneration
• Support jobs and skills
• Improve networks between major economic centres, and with international gateways
• Strengthening the Union
Delivery of major programmes such as HS2, the Integrated Rail Plan, TransPennine Route Upgrade, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the Roads Investment Strategy are fundamental to job creation and a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. Further commitments are outlined in the UK R&D Place Strategy which is being published this year as part of the UK R&D Roadmap. The research and evidence needs set out below are critical to supporting DfT deliver these major programmes and key areas of focus to grow and level up the economy.
Get in touch with BridgetoResearch@dft.gov.uk
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
The research is seeking to understand the implications of transport investments for the spatial economy by identifying effects on workers and firms (e.g. productivity, employment, wages). The research will provide the fi...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science
The project aims to understand the implications of transport investments for the spatial economy and assess the implications of the findings for DfT scheme appraisal, which directly relates to the question.
Cities throughout the world face long term strategic challenges in delivering large scale physical infrastructure development whilst addressing social and economic changes and challenges. In delivering such major program...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: UNIT 9 LIMITED
Over the next few years, the construction sector will witness a wave of infrastructure projects (£60 billion of spend each year over the next decade) and ground work will be undertaken to set future financial settl...
Funded by: ISCF
Lead research organisation: NSAR LIMITED
The project addresses the efficiency and capacity issues in delivering transport infrastructure, aligning with the question's focus on the capability and capacity of Local Transport Authorities.