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

  1. Someone's hands holding a mobile phone, with social media likes and heart icons floating out of it like bubbles

    Mapping the digital publics

    How platforms shape collective politics in the UK.
  2. Scottish parliament building at Holyrood and Calton Hill, Edinburgh

    Constructive coalitions? What the election means for the seventh session of the Scottish parliament

    What do the results of the 2026 Scottish parliament election tell us about how Scottish politics is changing? What do progressive parties need to do to get back on track?
  3. A close up photograph of a polling station sign on the outside of a building

    Reimagining lawmaking: How to rebuild trust in parliament

    People feel that politics is something that is done to them, not with them. This must change.