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Campaign — Technology & innovation

Increasing business technology adoption is vital to grasp the opportunities of the next decade

From reaching net zero, to responding to labour shortages, business and government must be at the forefront of creating an innovation economy that supports the adoption and diffusion of technologies to ensure the UK can remain globally competitive.


The changes we're calling for

The UK needs more businesses with the skill and the will to adopt readily available technologies and management practices proven to lift productivity and pay – and we need the government to support their efforts. We’re calling on the government to develop the policies to ensure more firms get help to adopt innovations.

  • Expand technologies covered under the Help to Grow scheme

  • Expand Made Smarter into a national programme

  • Increase awareness of the technology that works and the adoption support available through online resources and relevant campaigns

Quote —

“Technology is a powerful driver of productivity. It’s enabled thousands of businesses to serve their customers and stay close to their people during the pandemic. We’ve made a lot of progress so let’s keep up the momentum: encouraging SMEs to adopt tech; helping firms adopt AI; and creating truly digital workplaces.”

Dr Benjamin Reid, Interim Innovation Director, CBI

Why it's needed

The UK has a strong reputation for cutting-edge innovation, but investing more in R&D is only part of the battle. Once created, these innovations are not being taken up as quickly as they should be across the economy. 

Too many firms stick to what they know. And if they underinvest in readily available technology today – such as cloud, mobile and security technology – they are less likely to invest in the innovation that will shape the future and risk falling even further behind.

Better adoption of existing technologies could help organisations across the UK streamline day-to-day functions. Fewer companies would spend time and resource reinventing the wheel. More firms could simply get on with business.

Industry impact

Spreading the benefit

Greater take-up of innovation could transform the UK economy and help to address several societal challenges.

  • AI diffusion could add £38bn to UK GVA

  • SME tech adoption could add around £45bn to UK GVA

  • 70% of businesses agree new technologies have helped their businesses be more resilient

Innovation at the heart of business transformation

At the heart of productivity, resilience and worker satisfaction, innovation will be a vital enabler of business’ ability to capture the prizes on offer over the decade to come. Standing still is not an option. Business must be on the front foot, shaping innovation policy and learning from their peers.

  • Technology & innovation —

    Tech Tracker 2020: the innovation imperative

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    The CBI launches Big Fish, Little Fish – what you need to know

Our progress and impact

The CBI campaigns tirelessly on behalf of our members so that business creates prosperity for all. Learn more about the work we do and the impact we are making on this issue.

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Support the change

  • Are you a business leader?

    Join the CBI

    Our members are our mandate, and the reason we’re the most influential business organisation in the UK. Join the voice of business, and help us campaign to keep digital adoption a priority on the government agenda.

    Find out more

  • Are you a policymaker?

    Make a difference

    This campaign is led by the CBI's Innovation and Digital team.

    Contact Felicity Burch, Director of Innovation, to find out about the progress UK business urgently needs to adopt digital technology and how you can support it.

    Contact us