Making devolution work: How strategic authorities can develop effective local economic plans
The University of Surrey has partnered with the Institute for Government (IfG) to support newly created Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) to develop their local growth plans. The University’s ambition is that the report can support local leaders in Surrey where the process of devolution is underway, as well as strategic authorities across the country.
The report makes the case that the government’s devolution agenda will only deliver regional growth if strategic authorities set out robust economic strategies which are built on a long-term vision, use devolved powers well and achieve local buy-in.
Published on Monday 23rd June 2025, Making Devolution Work: How strategic authorities can develop effective local economic plans sets out the key steps for existing and new MSA) – both politicians and officials – to develop and implement strategies to strengthen local economies through devolved powers such as transport, skills, infrastructure and housing.
With the consensus-based approach to decision-making in MSAs often leading to inertia and delay over key economic decisions and trade-offs, the new IfG report sets out the five steps of an economic strategy lifecycle and how strategic authorities can complete each stage successfully – highlighting examples of best practice for places to draw on.
By following the recommendations in the report, established strategic authorities can pull further ahead and new authorities will be able to make strong starts.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Developing an understanding of place by engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and using a strong evidence base.
- Creating a shared vision for the area, involving key stakeholders like local businesses, universities and colleges.
- Translating the vision into a realistic plan, with priorities built on clear and achievable goals
- Communicating the strategy to different audiences.
- Implementing policies that fit with the strategy, with a clear pipeline of priority projects.
For devolution to successfully drive local growth, strategic authorities must use their unique position and powers with purpose. This report sets out a clear roadmap for how places can develop local economic strategies that are evidence-based, locally owned and focused on a long-term vision – whatever stage they are at.Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher and author of the report
Universities are anchor institutions, driving innovation-led growth at a regional and national level. As we transition to a new landscape for local government, with Mayoral Strategic Authorities becoming the model for English devolution, an evidence-based approach to developing local growth strategies that respond to the distinct economic opportunities that exist across the country will be essential for local, regional and national prosperity.Professor Lisa Collins, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is delighted to support the Institute for Government’s work on this topic, sharing our experience of working with our local government and industry partners in the southeast, providing practical recommendations to local policymakers across the country.
The full report and its recommendations are available on the IfG’s website here.
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