A New National Purpose: Innovation Can Power the Future of Britain

In practical terms, achieving this entails a series of reforms, including: • A reorganisation of the centre of government to drive this science and technology agenda across government and public services, with the full weight of the prime minister’s authority behind it and, at the core, the skill set to ensure its effective implementation. [...] 6 A NEW NATIONAL PURPOSE: INNOVATION CAN POWER THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN 02 A New National PurposeOne of the biggest events in human history started in the UK: the Industrial Revolution.1 In little more than 200 years, the majority of the world went from extreme poverty to a life of relative material abundance. [...] And if the atoms, bits and cells5 are the foundations of the modern world, three innovations in particular will shape the future: AI, 8 A NEW NATIONAL PURPOSE: INNOVATION CAN POWER THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN biotech and climate tech. [...] From the sequencing of the human genome and rewriting of genetic code to the design of novel proteins using AI and the creation of artificial organs, the bio revolution has been one of the most profound developments of recent decades. [...] The ambition remains but action must be stepped up.31 16 A NEW NATIONAL PURPOSE: INNOVATION CAN POWER THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN Climate Tech The transition to a low-carbon economy is like a mountain-climbing expedition: most want to get to the peak, but the argument is about the best way to summit.