There’s too big a gap between the productivity of the ‘best’ and the ‘rest’ of UK businesses. The biggest difference between them? The use of tried and tested digital technologies and management best practice.
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.
Make the wider take-up of innovation a central theme of the industrial strategy
Better finance adoption of proven technologies through Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Shared Prosperity Fund
Increase awareness of the technology that works through online resources and relevant campaigns
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 of 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.
"While the eyes of the business world can often be on ‘the next big thing’ in cutting edge technology, too many firms are missing out on what’s right under their nose. Failing to adopt the nuts and bolts technologies of today is leaving a yawning gap in productivity and pay between businesses."
Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-General, CBIGreater take-up of innovation could transform the UK economy and help to address several societal challenges.
The additional value that could be unlocked for the UK economy by increasing business adoption of key technologies and management practices.
This would support a 5% reduction in income inequality.
Over half of the potential gains in productivity will come from firms adopting existing best practices.
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.
Embracing digital in every sector
Adopting the future
CBI launches consultations to understand challenges with innovation adop...
Disrupting the future
From Ostrich to Magpie
CBI Scorecard on Industrial Strategy
Government announces fund to help SMEs
2018 Budget announces measures to help firms adopt new technologies
Ready, set, connect
Take action today: there are many ways you can support driving the adoption of digital technology.
Help us spread best practice by sharing your examples of how digital transformation or changes in management practices have benefited your business
Tell us about the challenges you face when undergoing innovation projects so we can understand where government action could make innovation adoption easier
Engage with your Local Enterprise Partnership to help shape the support that's on offer
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 for driving the adoption of digital technology.
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