High Speed Two
Image: gov.uk
An organizational administrator with experience spanning the globe, Patrick O’Connell has held leadership roles that include serving as interim director of programming and strategy of High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd. Managing the full spectrum of HS2 strategic activities, Patrick O’Connell helped lay the groundwork for a high-speed rail system that promises to transform transportation in the United Kingdom.
A recently published report titled HS2 – Getting the Best out of Britain draws attention to the significant productivity boost that the rail system is expected to generate across the North and Midlands. While these areas are on par with London and the Southeast in terms of university staff producing high-quality research, Northern employers report a persistent lack of needed skills when hiring. This has proved a barrier to growth, as London continues to attract many of the desirable candidates holding high-level NVQ4 qualifications.
The report presents a case that HS2 will increase physical connectivity among workers in the North, and in turn lead to capital flow linkages that improve the global attractiveness of these investment markets. Officials hope this will result in a thriving economy and equal society.
Patrick O'Connell 