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    UK at the cutting edge

    Standing still means falling behind: global competitiveness is a strategic necessity.

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    In a world of rapid technological change and geopolitical uncertainty, standing still means falling behind. The UK must be internationally competitive for investment, talent and innovation, to stay at the cutting edge.

    The change we're calling for

    We're calling for policy that keeps the UK at the forefront of emerging technologies and industries, competitive in global capital markets and resilient in trade and supply chains – shaping the future rather than reacting to it.

    Scaling and retaining frontier businesses

    Reform capital markets, regulation, and public and private procurement of innovation, so frontier firms can scale and remain in the UK.

    Pro-innovation regulation

    Shape AI regulation to deliver clarity, coordination and confidence for business, strengthening trust while enabling responsible innovation and global competitiveness.

    Trade, security and decarbonisation leadership

    Strengthen the UK/EU relationship, build global partnerships and accelerate growth in clean energy industries that anchor future growth.

    "The UK's historic strengths in innovation, emerging industries, and global trade are world-renowned. But the pace of change means we need to adapt rapidly to stay globally competitive. The UK needs to deliver a policy environment that better enables new and established frontier firms to grow and stay in the UK, while strengthening our position on the world stage through partnership and trade."

    Naomi Weir, Technology and Innovation Transformation Director, CBI

    Leadership Team Naomi Weir

    Why it's needed

    Investment is mobile and competition is fierce. Securing the UK’s competitive edge in innovation, clean energy, trade and capital markets, will strengthen long-term economic resilience and prosperity, preparing the UK’s economy for future changes and challenges.

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    CBI International

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    Scale and Retain: growing Britain's next generation of global businesses

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    CBI Listed Companies Group Report

    How to revitalise UK public equity markets

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    The adoption decade: making AI work for Britain

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    Energy transition insights

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    Our progress and impact

    Jul 2026
    Jun 2026
    Jun 2026
    May 2026
    Mar 2026
    Nov 2025
    Jun 2025
    Growth Guarantee Scheme expanded
    This will enable increased access to finance for SMEs, supporting firms to invest and grow across the country.
    BusinessEurope position on Made in Europe reflects UK priorities
    Through its seat on BusinessEurope, the CBI shaped the organisation's position on Made in Europe, including on recognition of trusted partners.
    Leading UK delegation at the B7
    The CBI led the Team UK delegation at the B7 Summit in Paris, emphasising the importance of collaboration, resilience, and economic security.
    Kicked off CBI Scale and Retain project with Business Secretary
    Kicked off work to improve the environment for scaling and retaining innovative firms in the UK, with support from the Business Secretary and Department for Business and Trade and Treasury teams.
    Working with the Northern Ireland government on cross-border employment
    The CBI represented member views at the UK-Ireland Summit, including successfully calling for a focus on tackling cross-border employment concerns.
    Announcements to improve adoption of innovation
    Announcement of Procurement of Innovation Champions to accelerate public procurement of innovation, and expansion of the Bridge AI programme to support business adoption of AI.
    Increase in public R&D funding to £86bn over four years
    This significant uplift signals a long-term commitment to strengthening the UK’s innovation base and supporting cutting-edge research across priority sectors.