"As our Industrial Strategy acknowledges, the way we live continues to be transformed by the technological advances of what is a fourth industrial revolution." - Forging our Future (December 2018)
The UK Industrial Strategy was set out in a White Paper in November 2017 "Building a Britain fit for the future" and can be broken down as follows:
Four grand challenges
Artificial intelligence and data
- “We will put the UK at the forefront of the AI and data revolution.”
- Mission: to use data, artificial intelligence and innovation to transform the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic disease by 2030.
Clean growth
- “The move to cleaner economic growth – through low carbon technologies and the efficient use of resources – is one of the greatest industrial opportunities of our time.”
- Missions:
- At least halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030.
- Establish the world’s first net-zero carbon industrial cluster by 2040 and at least one low-carbon cluster by 2030.
The future of mobility
- “We will become a world leader in the way people, goods and services move.”
- Mission: put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, with all new cars and vans effectively zero emission by 2040.
The ageing society
- “We will harness the power of innovation to help meet the needs of an ageing society.”
- Mission: ensure that people can enjoy at least 5 extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035, while narrowing the gap between the experience of the richest and poorest.
Six sector deals
To support the Industrial Strategy and the grand challenges, the Government has so far agreed six sector deals in the following areas:
- Life sciences
- Automotive
- Creative industries
- AI
- Nuclear
- Construction
Three more sector deals have been promised as next in line: aerospace; rail; and, food and drink manufacturing.
Five foundations
Each of the sector deals is designed to build on the five foundations, which have been identified as necessary for success: ideas, people, business environment, infrastructure and places.
For further information about the important role played by the higher education and research sector for the UK Industrial Strategy, please see the article on our website.
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