WIREDGOV

Charles Levy, senior economist at Lancaster University’s Work Foundation, commented on today's annual estimates from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES).

“New data released today by the Office for National statistics confirms that knowledge intensive industries have been responsible for driving the majority of jobs growth. Comparing 2012 and 2013 total employment increased by 410,000. Today’s numbers indicate that 360,000, or nearly 90% of this increase has been concentrated in knowledge intensive industries. These industries make up approximately 50% of total employment.

“These are the areas where value creation is most concentrated on exploiting knowledge rather than physical assets or manual labour. Growth was strongest in the professional, scientific & technical broad industrial group where employment increased by 135,000 in the year to 2013.

“Supporting and sustaining this growth in our knowledge economy will depend on a focus on innovation through increased investments in high-level skills, our science base, research & development, creativity and design. These are areas where we need to see all of the major parties outlining a clear vision ahead of the general election.

Notes to editors

1.For further information on the definition of the knowledge economy and knowledge intensive industries see Levy, C. et al (2011) A plan for growth in the knowledge economy http://www.theworkfoundation.com/assets/docs/publications/290_plan%20for%20growth%20in%20the%20knowledge%20economy.pdf  
2.Data on Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations (SIC21) is not available for 2013 so has been excluded from the analysis of knowledge intensive industries.
3.Charles Levy, senior economist and Ian Brinkley, chief economist are available for interviews, blogs, briefings, analysis, and written comment.
4.The Work Foundation transforms people’s experience of work and the labour market through high quality applied research that empowers individuals and influences public policies and organisational practices. The Work Foundation is part of Lancaster University – an alliance that enables both organisations to further enhance their impact.

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