Manufacturing in a Knowledge- Based Economy

Tuesday, 02 December 2008

The Work Foundation, 21 Palmer Street, London

Introduction

Against the background of the BERR Manufacturing Strategy Review, this event focused on the role of modern manufacturing in the economy.

The event in detail

The traditional divide between manufacturing and services is breaking down rapidly. In a knowledge- based economy, manufacturing firms increasingly derive much of their value added from the integration of services into the production process.

The focus was on:

  • How the manufacturing workforce has changed
  • Why manufacturing firms have invested in intangibles
  • Whether knowledge and technology- based manufacturing help the economy rebalance away from over-dependence on financial services.  

Speakers included:

Mike TerrettChief Operating Officer, Rolls-Royce

Vicky Pryce,Chief Economic Adviser, BERR

Martin Temple, Director General, EEF

Ian Brinkley, Programme Director, The Work Foundation