The Future of Manufacturing

Manufacturing has a key role to play in economic growth, particularly in driving exports and productivity, and in rebalancing the UK economy. It also brings a number of other benefits to the UK in terms of societal value and contribution to national resilience.

The nature of manufacturing and its role in the UK and global economies is going through a period of change.

As with a number of developed economies, the manufacturing share of the UK economy has declined, from 22% of GDP in 1990 to around 10% today. New industries and technologies are emerging. There is increased competition and changing demand for products and services.

The Future of Manufacturing project will provide a timely and fresh look at the long-term picture for the manufacturing sector out to 2050, investigating global trends and drivers of change.

Leading experts

The project calls on industry and academic expertise from the UK and abroad to explore how the UK can maximise key opportunities and mitigate risks. In doing so, it will provide a robust evidence base to help ensure that policy decisions taken today are resilient in an uncertain future.

The Government Office for Science Foresight programme leads the project, under the direction of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Sir John Beddington. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, is the project sponsor Minister.

A Lead Expert Group (LEG) of eminent academic and private sector experts from a range of disciplines works alongside the Foresight team to help guide the project and secure a strong evidence base. A High Level Stakeholder Group (HLSG), chaired by Vince Cable, will advise on the strategic direction and impact. Find out more about the LEG. Members of the HLSG will be announced in early 2012.

The project’s fresh thinking, innovative evidence base and futures analysis will help inform policy makers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and a range of other relevant departments throughout the project and beyond.