Its primary objective is to boost private sector investment across the whole of the UK, creating the right conditions for all businesses to innovate and giving them the confidence to do so. To build on this foundation and seize this moment in history, this UK-wide Innovation Strategy sets out our long-term plan for delivering innovation-led growth. That is why Government has published “Build Back Better: our plan for growth” which focuses on infrastructure, skills and innovation as the foundation of recovery and growth across the economy. With the climate emergency and our net zero target – as well as the pace of technological innovation – the 2020s are a pivotal moment for the UK’s future prosperity.

The next decade will be one that features significant change. We want to rekindle this flame in all UK citizens, helping them to seize the opportunities that the innovation economy will bring. From the industrial revolution to the vaccine development of the past year, the impact on our everyday lives is undeniable. The UK can look back on a proud history of changing the world through innovation. Furthermore, by supporting innovation in places, sectors, and businesses across the UK, we can level up the economy and create high-value new jobs and trading opportunities as we build back better. Now we have left the EU, we can move quickly to respond to these challenges, and other global opportunities, to cement the UK’s position as a world-leader in science, research and innovation. The UK must be in the vanguard of the response to these challenges. Innovation is central to the largest challenges the world faces, from climate change and the ageing society to global pandemics. Investment in innovation will be critical to achieving this, and to building a greener, healthier and more prosperous future for the UK. In recovering from the pandemic, we must build on this country’s innovative foundations to create a robust and agile economy that works for everyone and is fit for future generations.

Our society, our economy, and our livelihoods have all been affected. The UK, along with the rest of the world, has faced exceptional challenges over the past 18 months.

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