Executive action needed to prepare for the 21st century

摘要

In the early part of 2000, European leaders, meeting in Lisbon, agreed to make the European Union (EU) "the most dynamic, knowledge-driven economy in the world by 2010". Innovation was cited as central to the achievement of this vision. Reflecting the spirit of Lisbon, the UK Government's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently published its own vision for the future of manufacturing: Competing in the Global Economy: the Innovation Challenge (December 2003). In it, the Minister for Science and Innovation, Lord Sainsbury, argued "The successful exploitation of new ideas is the key to higher productivity and greater prosperity for all. To hold our own in modern manufacturing we will need to innovate strongly, creating high-tech manufacturing industries...and upgrading traditional sectors such as steel and textiles. UK companies will have to compete more in the future on unique, high value-added and innovative products and services. This will require inspirational leadership skills, a highly skilled workforce, a flexible labour market that promotes diversity and fair treatment, and high performance workplaces."