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Government comes up with new manufacturing strategy
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09/09/2008
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The Government’s just published manufacturing strategy, “Manufacturing: New Challenges, New Opportunities”, has identified what it describes as, “Five major dynamics that are reshaping global manufacturing”. These are: “The increasing prevalence and complexity of global value chains; the accelerated pace of technology exploitation; the growing importance of investment in intangibles such as design, branding and R&D; the increased recognition that investment in people and skills is among the most important for companies to make; and the move to a low carbon economy”.
Despite the challenges the report states that the UK is the world’s sixth largest manufacturer measured by output, contributing £150 billion to the economy. In 2006, 25 per cent of UK goods exports were high technology, compared to 22 per cent in the USA, 15 per cent in France and 11 per cent in Germany.
Highlights include: UK Trade and Investment will allocate additional resource to target a package of new support for 600 companies of all sizes to identify manufacturing value chain opportunities in India and China. In 2010 Advantage West Midlands and the East Midlands Development Agency will deliver a Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. The Technology Strategy Board will invest a further £24 million in research central to high value manufacturing focussed on products, production processes and services and value systems. From April 2009, with Business Link acting as the primary access point for integrated business support, manufacturers will be able to experience a single seamless service for addressing their skills needs. The Apprenticeship Ambassador’s Network will provide 1,500 new places, in addition to the 9,000 announced by the Sector Skills Councils. There will be a Manufacturing the Future campaign in schools. And £20 million will be dedicated initially for the public procurement of low carbon and zero emission vans.
Commenting on the launch, the CBI’s Chief Economic Adviser, Ian McCafferty, said:
"Determining how UK manufacturing can best take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century was a much needed exercise. The government's new framework contains some fresh thinking - with a welcome emphasis on improving manufacturing skills, its public image, technology and the low carbon economy. It must now deliver on its plans. To achieve success, the government will also need to put in place a coherent procurement strategy that enables industry to invest with confidence for the long-term."
For more information: BERR Manufacturing Strategy Review 2008
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Author
Tom Shelley
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