The exhibition held by the Manufacturing Technologies Association in Birmingham provided a platform for an insightful address delivered by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan. The central theme of her speech was to underscore the significance of manufacturing in the UK’s economy and the role of science and technology in propelling innovation within the sector.
Secretary Donelan opened her address by recognizing the UK’s status as one of the foremost manufacturing nations globally. She emphasized that while the challenges of quantity and speed in manufacturing have largely been surmounted, the primary focus now rests on ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. She highlighted the UK’s distinctive manufacturing expertise and its pivotal role in spearheading high-end innovation.
Underscoring the importance of education and skills in advanced manufacturing, Secretary Donelan shared her efforts to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers among school children. She reiterated her steadfast commitment to prioritizing manufacturing in her capacity as Secretary of State, particularly in the wake of recent disruptions in global supply chains.
The Secretary of State also emphasized the significance of strategic goods and technologies, ensuring that they remain under UK control to safeguard national interests. She outlined the government’s substantial investments in semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, and wireless infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening the manufacturing sector and fostering economic growth.
Highlighting the UK’s accomplishments in manufacturing, Secretary Donelan cited the country’s position as a global leader in AI, with a burgeoning market poised for significant expansion in the years ahead. She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting AI innovation and regulating the technology in a manner that promotes safety, innovation, and growth across all sectors.
The speech culminated with a strong emphasis on the importance of skills in driving sustainable economic growth. Secretary Donelan announced considerable support for young people pursuing critical technologies and underscored initiatives to enhance the skill sets of employees and establish apprenticeship pathways in emerging industries.
In her concluding remarks, the Secretary of State expressed confidence in the promising future of manufacturing in the UK, acknowledging the pivotal role that talented individuals and innovative businesses play in shaping the sector’s success.
To summarize, Secretary Donelan’s speech underscored the critical importance of manufacturing in the UK’s economy and the government’s unwavering commitment to propelling innovation, investing in advanced technologies, and nurturing skilled talent to ensure the sector’s sustained growth and success.