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Association of Regional Observatories
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Closure – Association of Research Observatories

As of 1 September 2011, the Association of Research Observatories (ARO) formally closed. On this site you will find an archive snapshot of some of ARO’s previous work and activities, much of which we hope will still be useful to you in your work.

ARO’s aim was to add value to the work of Research Observatories by promoting collaboration, and communicating their contribution to our shared aim of supporting evidence-based policy-making.

Whilst ARO no longer exists, its members have asked South West Observatory to develop a new, national Knowledge and Intelligence network (KIN) to ensure that the expertise and networks built up over the years are not lost but built upon. To find out more about KIN, and to register for updates, see the South West Observatory website. You’ll also find a KIN LinkedIn group by clicking on the link.

The Website and Document Archive

Our website continues to contain up to date information on the work of our members, including an archive of documents from those observatories that have recently closed. Over the next few months our website will be changing, so please visit regularly to learn more

Our Role

Informing decision makers

We produce objective assessments using high-quality information, so decision-makers can make tough choices confidently and target limited resources where they are most needed

Facilitation of expertise

We coordinate the large expert networks of people and organisations we routinely work with, to deliver outputs that are valued across the public and private sector

Once, for all

Where issues are common across boundaries or for a wide range of organisations, we deliver quality intelligence once, for all

Independent economic analysis

We have a track record of providing independent analysis for decision-makers so they can identify and address their economic priorities, and measure the impact of their policies

Supporting local authorities’ own research

We provide an intelligence function that builds on and adds value to the work of local authorities, especially where they are working with partners

 

Review of 2010

Our Review of 2010 is out now. It is an opportunity for ARO to show what it has done to support its members, and what its members have done to promote intelligence-based policy-making across many themes.

Our Offer

Our members support evidence needs for:

  • Local Enterprise Partnerships

  • Local Authorities

  • Policy development and evaluation

  • Sustainable economic development

  • Big Society

  • The wider Localism agenda

Contact us