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. Panoramic view of the Cardiff Bay

    The heart health divide: Cardiovascular inequalities in Wales

    Our third blog on cardiovascular disease in the devolved nations turns the spotlight on Wales. 
  2. Reading news online on phone

    AI's got news for you: Can AI improve our information environment?

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our information environment and becoming a new front door through which the public access the news.

  3. Apples and oranges? Scottish teachers’ pay in international context

    This is the first in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust.