The mission of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole (BDP) Economic Partnership is to “build a successful knowledge-based economy able to retain business and compete effectively in Europe and the rest of the world” (Economic Strategy Action Plan, 2008-2026, June 2008). The new Multi Area Agreement (MAA) for the BDP Sub-Region is seen as a powerful vehicle for achieving this goal. By 2026 the Partnership aims to overtake the national average on productivity and earnings. Success for the BDP Sub-Region has wider significance for the South West regional economy, given the strategic status accorded to its cities and towns in the SWRDA economic strategy and draft Regional Spatial Strategy.
The Partnership believes that the Sub-Region already possesses “many of the key ingredients to build a successful knowledge-based and higher-value economy” (MAA) – for example, its financial services and advanced engineering companies, higher and further education institutions and its natural environment. However, it has identified strategic priorities for action (MAA) in five areas: Business Growth and Employment Land; Skills; Transport and Connectivity; Housing and Environment. The analysis in this report mainly covers the business and skills components of the MAA economic strategy.
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