BUSINESSES across the region are being invited to share their successes as plans come together for a new economic strategy to attracted Government investment.

The York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has started updating its economic strategy for the region, and is seeking input from businesses that operate across the patch.

Strategists at the LEP say the new report is vital for organisation to build a better understanding of the area’s economic strengths and opportunties, and will be used to strengthen the LEP’s proposals to central government for future investment opportunities, like the Industrial Strategy.

To encourage people to collaborate, the LEP is hosting an online conversation using the hashtag #YNYERFutures, in which is is asking people to respond to its economic data, and think pieces by leading partners to inspire the debate.

There will also be a survey for people to express their views on important questions that will help inform the LEPs response.

LEP chairman Barry Dodd CBE said: “In response to the complex business environment in which our businesses are operating, we need to update our shared understanding of the area’s economic strengths, so that we can continue to build water tight cases to central government, for future investment opportunities.

“We want to help our partners get ahead of the game to secure the best possible future for our residents and businesses.

“Given the changes under the Industrial Strategy, we are encouraging everyone to get involved and take part in the debate.”

The conversation will be structured around a series of questions to enhance the LEPs understanding of several broad challenges including productivity, resilience and demography. The conversation itself will take place over the next six weeks.

Once the LEP has a detailed understanding of the challenges, they will be narrowed down to some more specific problems and opportunities.

In the #YNYERFutures series, the first of the think pieces to inspire the debate is a blog from the University of York’s Professor Jon Timmis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange. The piece gives an insight into how advanced robotics and artificial intelligence may affect lives - day to day and what economic opportunities might arise. Join the conversation online.