Masters of the Revolution:
Why the Fourth Industrial Revolution should be at the heart of Britain's new Industrial Strategy
A Free Enterprise Group policy report by Alan Mak MP
This report was published on 14 November 2016 by Alan Mak MP and the Free Enterprise Group, at a launch event in Parliament, with Business Secretary Greg Clark MP as the guest speaker. Masters of the Revolution makes the case for putting the 4IR at the heart of the new Industrial Strategy, and presents 20 clear policy recommendations for Government. You can download the full report here: Masters of the Revolution
Commenting on the report, Alan said:
“We must build on Britain’s strong track record of innovation to lead the new Fourth Industrial Revolution. To do so, we must both seize the opportunities of Brexit and boost our investment in science and technology to stay ahead of the curve. Turning away from the EU’s anti-innovation “precautionary principle”, launching new investment funds to back our entrepreneurs, building new research centres, and boosting our digital infrastructure are all key. The Chancellor announced new investment for the 4IR in his Conference speech, and I hope he will continue backing British science and technology in the Autumn Statement and beyond.”
“We need a positive approach to Brexit, taking control of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to both change the direction of our nation, and our thinking in key policy areas like science, technology and innovation. Turning away from the EU’s anti-innovation “precautionary principle is vital.”
Speaking at the launch of Alan's report in the House of Commons, Business & Industrial Strategy Secretary Rt Hon Greg Clark MP said:
“I think tonight’s gathering and this excellent pamphlet proves one thing, that if you want good thoughts, written clearly and in an exciting way, you should always turn to the MP for Havant.”
“It is a wonderful piece of work and I read it with mounting excitement and the 20 recommendations could not be better phrased.”
“I was particularly taken by some of the recommendations that makes the [point] that having a framework to allow and encourage entry and challenge is very important if, as he puts it, we are going to be masters of the revolution as well as understanding particular players in the sector. That is very much taken to heart.”
“Alan has become a sponsor, along with other colleagues, of promoting and debating matters around industrial strategy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is fantastic to have Parliament, through Alan and colleagues, engaged in this work. I don’t need to invite him to continue the progress he is making with that, because it is evident from the pace and brio with which this is written that this is something Alan regards as a very exciting area of research and policy. All I can say is he has a very willing set of ears in government in myself and my team.”
Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman of the Institute of Directors said:
“Like every new wave of technological progress, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to radically alter the way we live and conduct business. British businesses have long been at the forefront of digital innovation worldwide and policy makers should ensure they are adequately equipped to take advantage of rapidly accelerating technological change. We support Alan Mak’s call for the Government to ensure that Britain remains a world leader in the take-up and development of new technologies and hope that this task sits at the centre of the new Industrial Strategy.”
Free Enterprise Group
Please note this is a paper from the Free Enterprise Group.
The Free Enterprise Group was established in mid-2011 (www.freeenterprise.org.uk ). It aims to:
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Encourage a competitive and free economic environment
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Raise the global economic standing of the United Kingdom
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Challenge monopolies and oligopolies
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Free individuals to create, innovate and take risks
DISCLAIMER:
All supporters of the Free Enterprise Group subscribe to the aims of the group; however, articles and other publications written under the auspices of the group are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of all group members. Administrative support for the Free Enterprise Group is supplied by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) where the IEA believes that this can help promote its charitable objectives. This does not imply endorsement of the group’s statements by the IEA.