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.
"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."
Tony Danker, 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 adoption
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
Transforming into the future
Helping the UK become the best and safest place to build a digital business
Business needs to put ethics at the core of AI
Better broadband: from rhetoric to reality
Select committee joins CBI in calling for greater technology adoption
Tech Tracker 2019: the must-know technology and innovation trends
Take a tech reality check: understand the trends that will impact your business
London Tech Guarantee Scheme: why your business should be concerned about digital exclusion
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 moreHave your say
Help the CBI shape government policy to ease business' adoption of digital technology and boost efficiency.
Get involvedMake 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.
