A lost decade
Article
Successive governments have lauded the life sciences as a pillar of the UK economy in recent years. David Cameron talked about “a jewel in the crown”. Theresa May set out her ambition to make Britain “the global go-to place for scientists, innovators and tech investors”. And Boris Johnson has already committed to ‘supercharge’ UK science following Brexit.
There is optimism around the potential for growth in the industry – driven in no small part by a uniquely exciting moment for scientific advances.
However, new IPPR analysis shows that we have had a lost decade that has left one of our strongest sectors stagnating, even before accounting for its significant vulnerability to an unmanaged, no-deal Brexit.
In this briefing we set out key tests for policymakers looking to take the requisite steps to mitigate Brexit, as part of a strategy to support and invest in our life sciences industry.
Related items
Facing the future: Progressives in a changing world
Progressive parties need a new set of defining and guiding ideas to challenge the populist radical right.Singapore on the Clyde?
Sir Tom Hunter is not happy.Scotland, he laments, is in “managed decline”. The UK and Scottish governments are “punishing the entrepreneurial community with more tax” and, inevitably, “no country has ever taxed its way to growth”. Change…Fixing the foundations: The case for investing in children's health
For decades, governments of all stripes have promised to give children a better, healthier start to life. But despite this – and some notable policy successes – the UK continues to fall short on childhood health outcomes.