Event
16 September, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Delivering industrial strategy: building Britain’s competitive edge

The UK faces a period of profound economic transition. From the global race to lead in advanced technologies, to supply chain fragility, regional inequality, and the demands of decarbonisation, governments around the world are taking a more active role in shaping their industrial bases. For Britain, the challenge is not simply to catch up — but to lead where it counts, identifying strategic sectors, unlocking private investment, and creating the conditions for long-term growth.

That requires a confident, coordinated industrial strategy: one that fosters innovation, enables scaling, and supports a skilled and adaptable workforce, while ensuring that economic dynamism is felt across every region of the country.

Making industrial strategy a reality means grappling with many long-standing challenges as well as new ones. Identifying sectors with the highest growth potential. Enhancing collaboration between government and industry to drive innovation. Addressing regional disparities to ensure broad economic development. And developing a skilled workforce equipped to meet future industrial demands.

Re:State (formerly Reform think tank) is delighted to welcome Sam Lister, Director General, Industrial Strategy, Department for Business and Trade, following the Government’s green paper ‘Invest 2035’ to share his thoughts on next steps and turning the vision into reality.

This is a private event which will be held under the Chatham House rule.