Dr. Jason Knowles - Principal Consultant &
Research Manager
Dr Jason Knowles is a Principal Consultant and GENECON’s Research Manager, with over 10 years experience of working throughout the UK in the economic development and regeneration arena. He has a doctorate from the University of Liverpool, which explored the changes that have occurred in West Cumbria and Furness as a result of economic restructuring.
Jason has a background in economic research and brings to GENECON specialist experience in research management to support economic case-making for project and economic strategy development, area regeneration, project appraisal and evaluation. Jason leads a team of consultants providing the full range of data requirements to underpin GENECON’s work in economic and regeneration policy analysis and identifying key socio-economic needs and opportunities in defined spatial areas. Jason has also developed a deep understanding of ‘Green Book’ and GRADE appraisal methodology and its application to regional economic development and regeneration interventions, as well as IEF Compliance requirements in undertaking project and programme evaluation.
Jason’s recent experience includes undertaking economic assessments of sub-regions, towns & cities and neighbourhoods seeking to define new and sustainable roles and functions under changing spatial and economic contexts. He played a key role in the team that has prepared the Economic Masterplan for Sunderland setting a future vision and strategy for the city over the next 15 years. He also led recent work in developing an Investment Strategy for key project investments in Stockton Town Centre and riverside. He has worked extensively across the UK supporting the development of evidence-based investment strategies and action plans and associated performance frameworks to facilitate impact measurement. He has led our work on the development of performance management, monitoring and evaluation frameworks on project investments in several regeneration priority areas across the north of England, including Blyth, Bradford, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Jason has particular experience of project managing IEF compliant evaluations, including recent work on the regional Rural Development Programme for England in the North East; the £42.5m Cumbria Rural Action Zone Programme, and one of the largest inward investments the North West by Quinn Glass. He has also recently led the examination of the economic benefits arising from public sector investments in public realm activities which has been developed into a national economic impact framework.