Sustainable growth in the UK: Seizing opportunities from technological change and the transition to a low-carbon economy

Abstract

Promoting strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth is a priority for G20 governments, including the United Kingdom’s, reflecting the need to drive improvements in labour and resource productivity through more and better investments in innovation, infrastructure and skills. This special report for the LSE Growth Commission shows why it is sensible for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of the UK’s growth strategy and how this can be achieved. This report builds on previous LSE Growth Commission reports (2013, 2017), which laid out a blueprint for boosting growth in the UK and its inclusiveness via institutional and policy reforms to drive investment in these complementary areas. It embraces, deepens and strengthens the previous reports in light of technical advances, a stronger understanding of environmental issues, and the changing politics and economy of a UK that is building a new role in the world. It recognises the challenge of managing global trends, powerful forces that are transforming the UK economy, including the impacts of technological progress (such as AI and robotics), and globalisation. The recommendations provide a framework and strategy for sustainable growth in the UK. They have strong relevance in particular for Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, as well as the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the Department for Education, and the Department for International Development.

Publication
Special report for the LSE Growth Commission
Date
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