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Strategy Unit sets out the challenges that lie ahead
A comprehensive assessment of the key long-term strategic challenges facing the people of Britain is published today by the Strategy Unit in the Cabinet Office. The report is the most in-depth analysis of future challenges yet produced by government, covering the full range of issues facing the country from emerging trends in economic globalisation to social mobility, public service reform, family change, demography and climate change.
Drawing on an analysis of trends and future projections from inside and outside government, Realising Britain's Potential: Future Strategic Challenges for Britain argues that the country is well placed to address the crucial issues facing Britain over the next ten to 15 years. The report identifies future challenges and opportunities that cut across traditional policy and departmental boundaries:
* Globalisation;
* Economic prosperity;
* Life chances, talent and social mobility;
* The ageing and increasing diversity of the population;
* Family life and communities;
* Crime and public safety; `
* Public services;
* Climate change; and,
* Renewal of the constitution and our democratic institutions.
The report concludes that promoting the skills and talents of the people of Britain, improving opportunities to succeed from early years through to adulthood, will be crucial in responding successfully to the competitive pressures global changes will place on Britain over the coming years.
Welcoming the report, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
"In the coming decades, the underlying issue for our country is how we make the most of the opportunities presented by this new phase of globalisation, reducing the risks it brings and sharing the benefits more broadly. For this reason, I asked the Strategy Unit to assess the key strategic trends facing Britain. Their report presents a detailed analysis and identifies some of the changes that, together, we will have to prepare for.
"The report shows us that the real success stories in the coming years will be those nations that harness the skills of their people, attracting more than their share of the top global jobs and mobilising the talents of all. I have referred to this as the Skills Race - a race we can win, and we must win."
Further challenges to government and society will come in the form of an expanding and ageing population, shifting family structures, and the rising expectations of the public when it comes to access to information and services, the report says.
In response, the report suggests public services will need to continue to become more tailored and personalised to individual needs, with greater emphasis on innovation, empowering the skills of frontline staff, and effective collaboration between service providers and the public.
On the international stage, Britain must build on progress already achieved by acting as a world leader in responding to the challenge of climate change. The Government must also continue to bear down decisively on the crimes that most concern the public and effectively implement strategies to combat the terrorism threat both at home and abroad.
Finally, the report underlines the importance of making sure our democratic institutions are seen as responsive, representative and relevant to all citizens in order to encourage the widest possible participation.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. As a piece of Strategy Unit work, the Realising Britain's Potential: Future Strategic Challenges for Britain report does not constitute a statement of Government policy. A full copy can be found at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/work_areas/strategic_challenges0208.aspx
2. This piece of work was commissioned from the Strategy Unit last year by the Prime Minister to assess the parameters within which Government - as well as business, communities, families and individuals - would be operating in the next ten to fifteen years and beyond.
3. The Strategy Unit in the Cabinet Office provides strategic advice to No10 and departments, typically on issues that cut across traditional departmental boundaries. For more information, please go to: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy.aspx
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