Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, has been appointed chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, a new role to lead the UK government's strategy across eight key sectors, including the creative industries and technology, including artificial intelligence.
The council will provide advice to the government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labor Party, along with other stakeholders. The appointment is part of Starmer's plan to “build Britain back” and is also intended to reassure business leaders ahead of his team's first budget on October 30, which is expected to include tax rises.
The industrial strategy will focus on eight sectors targeted by the Labor Government
the UK as having a competitive advantage. They are the creative industries, technology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, professional services, defense, life sciences and clean energy industries.
“While we fully embrace today's industries, we must also have a clear plan for future growth, and the Advisory Council will play a central role in shaping and implementing this plan,” Barclay said.
Microsoft last year warned that Britain would “deter innovation and investment” after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially blocked the tech giant's takeover of games giant Activision Blizzard, citing antitrust concerns. Activision complained that the UK was “closed for business”. The CMA later approved the deal after Microsoft agreed to change some aspects.
The Government will present a Green Paper on Monday, which will be followed by a consultation process with businesses before the industrial strategy is finalised.
Billions in investments, in emerging growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and life sciences, were to be revealed at the government's inaugural international investment summit on Monday.
Ruth Porat, chief investment officer at Alphabet, which owns Google, said: “Google is proud of our long history of significant investment in local talent, infrastructure and digital skills in the UK that helps everyone share in the benefits of the economy digital. Thanks to the UK's rich academic heritage, particularly in the sciences, the UK is well positioned to seize the many opportunities that artificial intelligence can offer.”