Editor's introduction
In the shadow of Rover
Despite the recent doom and gloom, it isn’t all bad news for Britain’s manufacturers, writes Richard Parsons
Richard Parsons
Government policy
Industry fit for the 21st century
The government has a strategy for manufacturing excellence, says industry secretary Alan Johnson
Alan Johnson
Current Challenges
Capital ideas
Mark Cobley examines whether Britain's manufacturers can access the finance they need to survive and expand
Mark Cobley
The challenge for going global
Finbarr Livesey and Yongjiang Shi say globalisation can have a beneficial impact – provided firms and the government adopt the right approach
Yongjiang Shi and Finbarr Livesey
Credit for research
Laura Abramovsky and Rupert Harrison question whether tax credits are an effective way of encouraging research and development
Laura Abramovsky and Rupert Harrison
Case studies: MG Rover
Lessons from Longbridge
MG Rover's collapse holds broader lessons for the government, writes Caroline Spelman
Caroline Spelman
Case studies: Energy
At the sharp end
Ken Rivers, boss of Shell’s Stanlow refinery, tells John Grainger of the challenges currently facing the UK oil industry.
John Grainger
Case studies: Defence sector
In defence of arms
Edward Davie assesses the importance of government support for the defence sector.
Edward Davie
Case studies: German manufacturing
The incentive to innovate
Professor Keith Goffin and Dr Marek Szwejczewski compare manufacturing companies in Britain and Germany.
Professor Keith Goffin and Dr Marek Szwejczewski
Next steps
Strength in numbers
The development of manufacturing ‘clusters’ could be the way for smaller firms to compete in the global economy, writes Sam Macrory
Sam Macrory
Making research mainstream
The political debate on higher education is set to switch from top-up fees to co-operation with business, suggests Matt Mercer
Matt Mercer
Paths to recovery
A consensus is emerging on how best to reverse the decline in British manufacturing, writes Sally Priestley
Sally Priestley
