Unlocking productivity in the SCR through changes to the transport network
Academics from Sheffield University Management School and the Faculty of Engineering are working with SYPTE to develop a decision-support tool which will be used to identify potential new routes to maximise connectivity and regional productivity.
Productivity (output per worker) in the SYCMA is characterised by large geographical variations among its constituent local authorities. According to the SCR Strategic Economic Plan, these differentials can be reduced by new inter/intra city transport schemes connecting future jobs to where individuals live. In practice, unlocking these productivity gains requires re-thinking the existing transport network in the SCR so that physical and economic connectivity is maximised. Additionally, ongoing Covid-19 restrictions have changed the geography of work. In light of these changes, the existing transport network (traditionally based around the principle of a 'hub and spoke' network) may be inadequate.
Professor Sena (SUMS), Dr Punzo (ACSE) and Dr Harabi (CSE) are working with the SYPTE to develop a decision-support tool allowing them to benchmark cities and their transport infrastructure against their optimal geographic arrangement and productivity potential. The tool will be used to identify the potential new routes across all transport modes which could maximise connectivity and regional productivity.
Academic involved: Professor Vania Sena