Building an industrial strategy
An industrial strategy is a key part of the government’s plan for the long-term prosperity of the UK. ICE has responded to the first consultation on the strategy.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The government’s green paper, Building our Industrial Strategy covers ten ‘pillars’ to establish an industrial strategy for the long term – to 'provide a policy framework against which major public and private sector investment decisions can be made'.
[edit] Growth through infrastructure
ICE welcomes the government’s green paper, especially the focus on skills and infrastructure woven through it: places with well-functioning infrastructure, good rates of investment and skilled people, have higher levels of productivity.
We further commend the restatement by government that infrastructure drives growth, supports job creation and creates thriving, sustainable societies. Nevertheless, we also need to acknowledge that it can be capital intensive, disruptive during construction, and requires fine political judgement so resources are best used to meet the country's needs.
[edit] A skilled workforce
Areas where connectivity is weaker tend to have lower levels of productivity. We need to target investment in infrastructure to improve capacity and reliability. This takes more than funding new developments – it will also require a skilled workforce.
The industrial strategy provides the UK with a once in a generational opportunity to address this. Clear and committed pipelines of regional infrastructure projects, similar to the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline should be used to identify where these opportunities exist and enable government at all levels, industry and academic institutions to invest in the training needed.
[edit] Interdependent connectivity
Many areas of the country are successful through developing specialisations, for example high value manufacturing in the Midlands. However, their ability to realise economic growth is hampered by poor transport and digital networks. To rebalance the economy we should consider asset-to-asset connectivity rather than the city-to-city as emphasised at present.
Infrastructure is interdependent. One system relies on others and, increasingly, they are all dependent on digital. Continued investment in digital infrastructure will help address the issues the industrial strategy seeks to resolve.
As digital infrastructure becomes ubiquitous, dependence on energy systems also increases. To ensure they continue to function well, we should not look at technologies or responses but rather consider whole-systems: energy policy should continue to focus on the trilemma of affordably decarbonising while maintaining energy security.
[edit] Regional infrastructure strategies
In addition to physical infrastructure, ICE considers that to maximise the prospects of developing a new industrial strategy, there is a need to define the roles of institutions that will deliver it. The devolution agenda based on establishing combined authorities, sub-national transport bodies and regional concepts such as the Midlands Engine present opportunities to do so.
Such bodies should draw together forums with stakeholders to develop regional infrastructure strategies that determine the infrastructure required to drive sustainable growth. ICE recommends the Midlands Engine and Transport for the North are used to demonstrate how the public and private sectors can collaborate to decide their region’s priorities and related skills development.
High quality, well performing infrastructure is vital for economic growth and as a catalyst for social and economic inclusion. During uncertain times, a commitment to developing a new industrial strategy will help provide economic stability, enhance productivity and facilitate inward investment.
[edit] Our recommendations
ICE considers the following five recommendations to be key to delivering the government’s new industrial strategy:
- Regional infrastructure pipelines should be developed to address local skills gaps.
- Regional infrastructure strategies should be put in place across the country.
- Digital delivery and smart infrastructure should be embedded across all infrastructure.
- The approach of tackling energy security, decarbonisation and affordability together should be maintained.
- Government should develop and implement a new energy efficiency strategy.
Download ICE’s full response to the industrial strategy green paper.
This article was originally published here on 20 April 2017 by ICE. It was written by Gavin Miller, ICE Policy Manager.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Articles by ICE on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Brexit - the case for infrastructure.
- Industrial decarbonisation strategy.
- Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator for UK industry.
- Industrial strategy.
- Key Brexit challenges facing infrastructure and construction.
- Overcoming the challenges of Brexit.
- Post-Brexit vision for construction.
- Safeguarding infrastructure post-Brexit.
- Skills shortage and Brexit.
- Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies.
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.