Cambridge Econometrics
Cambridge Econometrics is an independent consultancy that applies economic modelling and data analysis techniques to the needs of clients in business and government. We are a leading independent economic forecasting group with a full portfolio of economic intelligence services covering the UK and the rest of Europe delivered through our Knowledge Base accessed via this website, and a substantial consultancy capability.
This page shows a selection of some of our work. You can access the full range through the site menus.
May 2013
Conference on Local Economic Growth: Recession, Resilience and Recovery, 11th-12th July 2013, McGrath Centre, St Catharine’s College, Cambridge
Cambridge Econometrics is pleased to be associated with a forthcoming two-day conference that will bring together current and new thinking on the determinants of local economic growth and how to place this within current and future policy agendas. The conference will focus on how regions and sub regions in the UK, Europe and the USA have differed in their response to, and recovery from, successive major economic recessions. A particular focus will be on the current crisis and recession, and how the geographies of this compare to those of the downturns of the early-1980s and early-1990s. The conference will also contribute to the development of policies aimed at building local economic resilience. Further conference details, including booking, can be accessed directly from the following website: www.cpes.org.uk/conference2013
May 2013
Training Courses in Economic Modelling: E3ME Training Course
Cambridge Econometrics is pleased to announce that an E3ME training course will be held on Thursday 13th June to Friday 14th June 2013 at Cambridge Econometrics’ office in Cambridge.
This course provides a theoretical and practical guide to the E3ME model and is ideal for researchers who would like access to modelling capabilities and simulations without necessarily developing an expertise in computer programming. A one-year E3ME licence is provided with the training course. For more information please see here. To reserve a place please fill in the registration form and return it to Unnada Chewpreecha or Hector Pollitt. Any further enquiries can be sent to the same addresses.
April 2013
Analysing the value of football to Greater Manchester
Cambridge Econometrics (CE), in collaboration with the Sports Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University, recently undertook analysis of the economic value of football to Greater Manchester. The research, commissioned by New Economy, combined a rigorous quantitative assessment using SIRC’s impact assessment of sport model with a thorough analysis of existing literature and primary data collection and research. The study estimated the economic impact of sport to the city-region to be £330m in GVA during 2010-11, while the two major football clubs, Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC, between them attract over four seasons a number of visitors equivalent to those that attended the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For more details see here.
April 2013
Economic recovery: on second thoughts (and third, and fourth...)
GDP forecasts published by the Treasury (in 2009) and the OBR (from 2010) have shown a systematic tendency to over-estimate the speed of recovery from the recession. CE's forecasts, which do not rely on the concept of an 'output gap', have been subject to much smaller downward revisions. (read more)
March 2013
An Economic Assessment of Low Carbon Vehicles
Cambridge Econometrics (CE), in collaboration with Ricardo-AEA, is currently undertaking a research project to assess the economic impact of decarbonising light-duty vehicles (cars and vans). The project was commissioned by the European Climate Foundation and was informed by a core working group of experts in the motor vehicles industry as well as other interested stakeholders.
The study uses Ricardo-AEA’s technology-based SULTAN model to assess the impact of the various transition scenarios on the total cost of vehicle ownership, highlighting the trade-off between increasing capital costs of vehicles and falling fuel costs. The results from the SULTAN model are then used as inputs into CE's integrated European model of the economy and energy systems, E3ME.
More details on this first phase of the study are available here.
March 2013
The Economic Benefits of Training and Qualifications
As there is increasing emphasis and importance attached to demonstrating the value for money associated with public investment in all areas, including education and training, there is a greater need to ensure that estimates of the economic benefits of training interventions are based on sound assumptions and approaches.
Cambridge Econometrics (CE) and the Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) are the authors of a recent research paper that updates the evidence base on the economic returns to vocational qualifications in England. The study reviewed three recent research papers: one that applied well-established techniques to recent survey data; and two that made use of a recently-developed experimental 'matched' database. The different types of approach used in these recent analyses were reviewed so as to: provide an overall assessment of the approaches used; interpret the findings in the context of the extensive past literature in this area; advise in which circumstances it is recommended to use estimates derived from the different analyses; comment on the implications of the findings within the context of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' Economic Impact of FE Model (which CE and IER had previously developed); and so summarise what the recent research adds to the existing evidence base.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills recently published the research paper: Review of the Economic Benefits of Training and Qualifications, as shown by Research based on Cross-Sectional and Administrative Data.
For further details contact Rachel Beaven.
March 2013
Carbon Leakage and Competitiveness Assessment for Europe
Cambridge Econometrics is part of the ECORYS-led consortium carrying out this high-profile study providing DG Climate Action with technical assistance to determine the second carbon leakage list to be valid over 2015-19. Specifically, the project is collecting processing, assessing and analysing the data required to carry out the quantitative and qualitative sector assessments, and related work.
February 2013
Helping to build modelling capacity in Latin America
Cambridge Econometrics is pleased to be participating in the EuropeAid-funded CLIMACAP project. This project aims to deliver improved modelling capacity and policy formulation in Latin America to support the development and implementation of low carbon development strategies. The project will integrate model improvement, capacity building and policy strategy support into a single coherent process. CE's modelling will focus on Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
A short description of the project is available here.
December 2012
A Study into the Economics of Gas and Offshore Wind
Cambridge Econometrics recently undertook a study into the macroeconomic impact of investing in offshore wind capacity compared to generating electricity from gas-fired power stations. The research, funded by WWF and the Greenpeace Environmental Trust, was undertaken using Cambridge Econometrics integrated model of the economy, energy system and environment, MDM-E3. The results suggest that investing in offshore wind would lead to an increase in GDP of 0.8% by 2030 despite small increases in electricity prices. Carbon emissions in the UK power sector would also be some two-thirds lower in the offshore wind scenario compared to the gas scenario.
For more details see here.
The Independent, The Guardian, nebusiness.co.uk