The government has released Invest 2035, a new industrial strategy aimed at establishing long-term economic growth across the UK. This green paper outlines key areas of investment in skills, infrastructure, digital innovation, finance, and stability in policy, with a focus on fostering a competitive, resilient economy.

Key Focus Areas

1. Skills Development: Expanded training and partnerships with educational institutions to address skills gaps, particularly in emerging sectors like green energy and digital technology.
2. Infrastructure: Significant investments in transport and broadband to improve access and connectivity, particularly beneficial to rural communities where digital and physical access can be limited.
3. Digital Transformation: Enhancing data accessibility and digital infrastructure to support modern services and improve efficiency, potentially opening new opportunities for rural businesses.
4. Finance for Innovation: Greater access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting growth and innovation across the UK, including in rural regions.
5. Industrial Strategy Council: A statutory council will oversee the strategy’s implementation, ensuring long-term policy stability and the flexibility to adapt as needed.

Potential Implications for Rural Areas

For rural communities, Invest 2035 offers opportunities and challenges. The focus on infrastructure, digital transformation, and access to finance holds promise for levelling the playing field between urban and rural areas. However, it will be essential to ensure that rural-specific needs and constraints are adequately addressed to make these initiatives effective in practice.

The Rural Services Network is committed to analysing Invest 2035 in detail to evaluate its impact on rural areas. We will examine each proposal and consult with our members to develop a comprehensive response that reflects the unique needs of rural communities. The RSN’s goal is to ensure rural voices are heard in shaping this strategy, highlighting how rural regions can contribute to and benefit from the UK’s industrial future.

We encourage members to read the full consultation document for more information and share any initial thoughts: Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy.