Embedding rural into a UK Industrial Strategy

As the final event for this year's Rural Entrepreneurship Conference (REC), Newcastle University's Rural Enterprise UK initiative convened a workshop to inform and gain participants' views about the UK Government's planned Industrial Strategy. It attracted a variety of British and international participants from academic institutions, business representatives, businesses and decision makers. Our exploration of what the UK Industrial Strategy could mean for rural Britain and how to integrate rural economies into the Strategy, was led by a panel with considerable experience of research, representation and policy development. Their presentations illustrate the contributions and challenges for rural enterprise and economies at national, sub-national, local levels, for public and private sectors. Participants presented their thoughts about how rural should be embedded in the Strategy by posting issues and ideas under three headings - Problems, Solutions and Examples.

Workshop participants expressed disappointment that land-based and wider rural enterprises and economies are not better represented and visible in the draft Strategy. They wish to see this change. They expect measures to deliver the Industrial Strategy, and develop the UK economy will be as appropriate, accessible and effective for rural economies as for cities and regions. These presentations, concerns, ideas and proposals are offered to encourage government departments to deliver an Industrial Strategy that works for and applies to the whole of the UK. The full workshop report and presentations are available here (for more details see Conference Section).

Last modified: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:46:58 BST