fund

UK must become a science and tech 'superpower' to avoid fate as 'price-taking nation'


Speaking to Investment Week, Johnson explained the “white hot” activity fundamental to the nation’s growth is the “new economy”, which begins with university spinouts and the commercialisation of intellectual property.

Within this, he highlighted the “clean tech revolution”, alongside artificial intelligence, quantum processing and fusion technology, while also pointing to fintech firms in the financial space.

Deep Dive: Big tech is ‘impossible to avoid’ but few investors know how to value it

Ahead of this month’s Global Investment Summit, Johnson added the UK was seen a “free, liberal, markets nation”, with a good regulatory environment, but insisted it cannot rest on its laurels.

“We have to keep running to stand still,” he said.

Renaissance of British regional capital

Johnson reflected on the change in the UK over the past decade, admitting he had been “completely wrong” about the metro mayors.

“I assumed it was a gimmick,” Johnson said. “Like many, I thought it was another layer of bureaucracy.

“But I was completely wrong.”

Minister for investment Johnson: ‘If you do not have risk, you cannot generate returns’

He praised the elected mayoralty system for providing an “important focal point for civic ambition”, which, alongside the levelling-up agenda, has helped to shift the focus of foreign investors.

“There has been a renaissance of British regional capital,” Johnson said, adding that “nearly all” of his conversations with sovereign investors and major pension funds had shifted their focus across the UK, including North East England, Scotland, Central England and Belfast.

 



READ SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.