ABSTRACT
In the introduction to this book we identified certain themes that recur through discussion of the UK’s relative decline in manufacturing and in appraisal of the current situation. In particular, there have been questions raised over the macroeconomic policies of government, the quality of foreign direct investment, the availability of capital for investment and the role of financial institutions, the competence and vision of British management, and the education and skills of the workforce. However, as we have seen, some of our contributors are more sanguine than others about the future, at least in the short to medium term. Certainly the chapters here tell a story of transition, partial success and opportunity as well as one of ossification, defensiveness and failure. The future of UK manufacturing is not lost—but neither is it assured.
