The policy statement "Building Britain's Future - New Industry, New Jobs" identifies key areas where government action can have most impact, investing in growth to speed recovery and building manufacturing and services essential to ensure British people and businesses can compete successfully for the jobs of the future.
The plan confirmed the following government actions:
• In the summer the Higher Education Framework and a new skills strategy will set out a new strategic approach to the provision of higher level skills in England.
• A new strategic approach to skills in England, through the Higher Education Framework and a paper on skills activism will be set out later this year.
• From April 2009 all applications to Research Councils for academic funding will have to set out the economic impact of proposed research.
• Decisions on a new Research Excellence Framework that will take greater account of the economic value of research will be announced early in 2010.
"To emerge from the recession quickly and strongly we need to maximise the opportunities for the UK economy in areas where we know Government action will have a big effect like low carbon technology, manufacturing, construction and healthcare," said Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham.
"By making key decisions, buying goods and services and regulating, Government shapes and creates future markets, new business opportunities and the demand for skilled jobs. That is why our new activism will focus our skills system, the knowledge in our universities and the way we support research through our record investment in science to meet the demands and opportunities Government creates when it acts in other areas of the economy.
"Britain has the skills, resources and knowledge to retain and strengthen its position as a world economic power. The Government's job is to do everything it can to enhance these strengths and create new jobs and business for the future."