What is Britain's place in the world? How has our role changed? What should be Britain's place in the world?
This was the second Consultation in the Britain in the World Series. The purpose was not merely to take stock of Britain's current position but to examine its trajectory and reach conclusions about its proper role(s) in the future. Therefore, one major outcome was to add a fresh dimension to current thinking. Participants were asked to challenge received wisdom to generate new wisdom about our global position.
Britain's defining relationships are not only changing rapidly but also becoming more complex, not least because of advances in technology and communications.
We are ever more swiftly, deeply and intricately influenced by changes in larger interlocking spheres: financial, technological, trading, cultural, climate, energy, security. We know we cannot deal conclusively with current and future challenges without mutual cooperation and assistance from others. But who and what is the Britain that might act in these different spheres?
How important to British identity and success in trade and industry is the sometimes less tangible 'trading' of arts, culture and sporting achievements? What role could the Olympics play for UK trade and industry in 2012?
Whatever we do best, we will need to identify the most effective ways for us to obtain new knowledge at home and from abroad for a competitive edge. Collaborations, apprenticeships, study tours or a new equivalent and other forms of knowledge-networking might make the difference.
To view the Consultation report click here.
