Microsoft U.K. CEO Clare Barclay has been appointed chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, a new role heading up the British government’s strategy on eight key sectors, including the creative industries and technology, including AI.
The council will provide advice to the government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labour Party, along with other stakeholders. The appointment is part of Starmer’s plan to “get Britain building again” and is also meant to reassure business leaders ahead of his team’s first budget on Oct. 30, which is expected to include tax increases.
The industrial strategy will focus on eight sectors where the Labour government sees
the U.K. as having a competitive edge. They are the creative industries, technology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, professional services, defense, life sciences, and clean energy industries.
“Whilst we fully embrace the industries of today, we must also have a clear plan for future growth, and the advisory council will play a central role in shaping and delivering this plan,” said Barclay.
Microsoft last year warned that Britain would “discourage innovation and investment” after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially blocked the tech giant’s takeover of video game giant Activision Blizzard, citing antitrust concerns. Activision complained that the U.K. was “closed for business”. The CMA later approved the deal after Microsoft agreed to change certain aspects.
The government is presenting a green paper on Monday, which will be followed by a consultation process with businesses before the industrial strategy is finalized.
Billions worth of investments, in such emerging growth sectors as AI and the life sciences, were set to be unveiled at the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit on Monday.
Said Ruth Porat, chief investment officer at Google owner Alphabet: “Google is proud of our long history of meaningful investments in local talent, infrastructure, and digital skilling in the U.K. which help everyone participate in the benefits of the digital economy. With the U.K.’s rich academic heritage, particularly in the sciences, it is well-positioned to capture the many opportunities that AI can deliver.”