The government's commitment The Government's White Paper sets out the role it and business need to play in improving the UK's competitiveness. Our aim is to close the performance gap between the UK and other major trading nations. This is a job for business but Government must create the right environment for business success by providing an economic framework which is stable and enterprising. The Government will put in place policies and programmes to help businesses innovate and succeed as we all face the challenge of the knowledge driven economy. Nations across the world are becoming progressively more sophisticated and well educated.
All markets increasingly demand innovative and higher quality products and services.
In the global marketplace, knowledge, skills and creativity are needed above all to give the UK a competitive edge. These are the distinctive assets of a knowledge driven economy. They are essential to creating high-value products and services and to improving business processes. They are as vital in traditional engineering industries and in services as in high-technology businesses. The role of business Businesses need to identify, capture and market the knowledge base that drives all products and services.