<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On 23 June 2025, the government published its Modern Industrial Strategy, a wide-ranging ten-year plan aimed at increasing business investment, particularly in high-growth areas. The strategy includes policy and analysis papers as well as separate plans for eight key sectors (the IS-8): advanced manufacturing, defence, creative industries, clean energy, digital and technologies, life sciences, financial services, and professional and business services. Central to the government’s approach will be investment to create a workforce with the necessary AI, digital, management and data skills. Proposals include increased funding for training courses, strengthened partnerships between employers and educational institutions, and the introduction of a Lifelong Learning Entitlement in January 2027. A new Global Talent Taskforce will be established, reporting to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Treasury. The strategy also sets out a regulation action plan to reduce regulatory barriers and facilitate innovation. This will include assessing the effectiveness of regulators, targeting regulatory changes to support the IS-8 and simplifying corporate reporting requirements.</p>