The challenge for Government is how to prepare Britain for a world in which knowledge is the new currency. An approach which recognises that the role of Government has fundamentally changed, but that it still has a critical part to play in improving the performance of the British economy and in improving life for all. To drive forward an active industrial policy which puts in place the building blocks we need for the future. Let me begin with the building blocks. First and foremost business needs economic stability.
Stability matters more than ever in the new economy.
We can ill-afford this vital investment to be put off through fears about the economy and its long term stability. Getting the economic conditions right is only the first building block. We must remove barriers to investment. We must also ensure that the science base is properly funded and linked to industry. We have boosted investment in the science base by 1.4 billion.