Industrial Strategy

Local Industrial Strategies can capitalise on gaps in UK climate and resource policies

By Kate Scott Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, Energy and Environment Posted: January 23, 2019

As the UK and many local regions embark on developing and implementing industrial strategies Dr Kate Scott from the School of Environment, Education and Development argues it is crucial to identify how their strengths can support innovation and development for low carbon transitions. This is particularly true in light of the government’s recent announcement that […]

Keynote for Industrial Strategy panel discussion

By Luke Georghiou Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Digital Futures, News Posted: December 5, 2018

On 29 November 2018, academics, representatives from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Government collaborated at an event to help inform policy priorities for Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy. Minister for Business and Industry Richard Harrington MP was joined by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, to speak about ‘Delivering the Grand Challenges […]

New approaches needed for nuclear

By Juan Matthews and Neil Irvine Filed Under: All posts, Digital Futures, Energy and Environment, Industry 4.0, Science and Technology Posted: January 22, 2018

Nuclear power is an essential part of the low carbon energy mix and in this piece for Policy@Manchester Professor Juan Matthews and Dr Neil Irvine explain why new approaches are needed to reduce its cost. Nuclear power needs to become cheaper, safer and more flexible. It needs to contribute to a wider usage of energy […]

Artificial Intelligence and the public interest

By Barbara Ribeiro Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: December 7, 2017

Dr Barbara Ribeiro of the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research reflects on what the Industrial Strategy White Paper means for artificial intelligence and considers whether prioritising AI funding is really in the public interest. The Government expects a positive impact of AI on household budgets over the next 13 years Any expectations in terms of […]

The Industrial Strategy White Paper: A Rebalancing Act?

By Tom Arnold Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted: November 28, 2017

Following the unveiling of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper, Tom Arnold, a postgraduate researcher of economic development in Northern England, examines what it could mean for spatial rebalancing. An improved awareness of where and why economic activity happens, and an approach which encourages longer-term investment, is welcome Since the financial crisis, there have been […]

Industrial Strategy white paper – Welcome progress, but problems remain

By Diane Coyle Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Inclusive Growth Posted: November 28, 2017

On Monday 27th November, the UK government published its long-await Industrial Strategy white paper. Here, Policy@Manchester Co-Director and member of the independent Industrial Strategy Commission, Professor Diane Coyle, reflects on what the document gets right and where challenges remain if the UK economy is to secure a prosperous and productive future for all. The Government’s […]

Bridging the skills gap: primary to higher education

By Donna Johnson Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering Posted: August 21, 2017

The UK’s skills gap in science, technology, engineering and maths has been widely acknowledged, but the measures needed to address it are less clear. Here, Donna Johnson, Head of the Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub, lays out the current debate and argues for cross-sector support between schools and universities and a focus […]

Time to address the North-South health divide through proportionate economic growth incentives

By Iain Buchan Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Social Care Posted: August 7, 2017

New research has revealed widening inequality between death rates in the northern and southern England. Here Professor Iain Buchan explains the significance of his research and calls on policymakers to take action and introduce northern weighting in industrial growth funds to address the North-South health divide. There has been an alarming rise since the mid-90s […]

Industrial Strategy and skills: getting it right this time?

By Andy Westwood Filed Under: British Politics Posted: July 10, 2017

The independent Industrial Strategy Commission has today issued its emerging findings (.pdf). Commissioner Professor Andy Westwood describes why ambition alone won’t be enough for its proposed skills reforms. The Industrial Strategy’s technical education proposals will be the 29th major reform of skills since the 1980s This reflects a long-term UK weaknesses in skills – especially technical […]

Seven foundations for a stronger economy

By Diane Coyle Filed Under: Brexit, Growth and Inclusion Posted: July 10, 2017

The independent Industrial Strategy Commission has issued its emerging findings. Commissioner Prof Diane Coyle outlines how the UK can address some of its longstanding economic weaknesses and deliver meaningful prosperity for everyone. Previous government intervention, which has been more accidental than purposeful, has not delivered a strong or fair economy Political consensus is key in […]