Policy and strategy

Regional Economic Strategy

Since its formation in 1999, SEEDA has been responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) 2006-2016 for the South East of England. The RES sets three objectives - global competitiveness, smart growth and sustainable prosperity.

Click here to find out more about the RES.

Towards a Single Regional Strategy

SEEDA works jointly with local authorities in the region to develop the long term strategy for the South East. This is the Single Regional Strategy, integrating economic development, housing, transport and the environment and will succeed the current Regional Economic Strategy and the South East Plan.

Inter-regional working

SEEDA works with neighbouring RDAs in the South East - the London Development Agency and East of England Development Agency - on the strategy for the Greater South East. Projects include Thames Gateway.

Corporate Plan Refresh 2008-11

SEEDA’s vision is to be the best economic development agency that a world class region could have: providing expert interventions, expert deal-making and expert advice. We aim to help create the best possible environment for business within a healthy and prosperous economy. Our refreshed Corporate Plan sets out how we will do that, identifying the keys to future success as the economy emerges from recession and achieving the three RES goals.

Corporate Plan 2008-2011 Refresh

Recent policy changes to tackle recession

The global recession had a major impact on our existing policies and we produced the Corporate Plan Refresh in response. The refreshed plan responds to the challenges we face as well as those of our partners.

We also reviewed our strategic approach to business support, creating a plan to support the South East with Innovation and Growth Teams and Sector and Cluster support, working alongside the national Solutions for Business approach being delivered by Business Link.

National Policy

SEEDA also works with Government to help influence and form national policy. By working with Government departments, SEEDA provides expert regional intelligence to help steer policy. SEEDA is the RDA with the remit to lead on skills, innovation and work and pensions and works at a national level to shape and influence policy. Recently we have, amongst others, helped influence the following policy and legislation:

Policy Debate for the EU in 2020

SEEDA along with key partners such as Southern England Local Partners and Kent County Council continue to feed into the policy debate in Europe. The South East response to President Barroso’s 2020 vision for the European Union, highlights the region's view on the need of a smarter, greener economy where prosperity results from innovation and smarter use of knowledge and resources. The South East's response aims to influence how the EU tackles the challenges of the economic recovery at a local, regional, national and European level.