Sustainable Growth in the UK – new report out today

Jay OwenBeyond GDP, Transforming Finance

Sustainable growth in the UK

Seizing opportunities from technological change and the transition to a low-carbon economy

Lead authors: James Rydge, Ralf Martin, Anna Valero

This special report for the LSE Growth Commission shows why it is sensible for environmental sustainability to be at the heart of the UK’s growth strategy and how this can be achieved. The report builds on previous LSE Growth Commission reports (2013, 2017), which laid out a blueprint for boosting growth in the UK and its inclusiveness via institutional and policy reforms to drive investment in these complementary areas. It embraces, deepens and strengthens the previous reports in light of technical advances, a stronger understanding of environmental issues, and the changing politics and economy of a UK that is building a new role in the world. It recognises the challenge of managing global trends, powerful forces that are transforming the UK economy, including the impacts of technological progress (such as AI and robotics), and globalisation.

The recommendations provide a framework and strategy for sustainable growth in the UK. They have strong relevance in particular for Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, as well as the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the Department for Education, and the Department for International Development.

Recommendations within the report are built around four policy priority areas: innovation, infrastructure, skills and cities.