Foundation industries including chemicals, metals, glass, cement, paper and ceramics need a system-level policy approach to enable them to compete in a green, decarbonised markets. Enablers at whole system macro-level will align stakeholders to support transformation from wasteful linear supply chains to resource efficient, circular business models exploiting innovative technologies and new ways of working operationally and strategically. Competition will be enabled by offering greater value in the marketplace whilst using less resources through collaboration.
This brief identifies policy enablers by drawing on UKRI’s £10M TransFIRe Hub research into transforming foundation industries:
- Change must be place-based and value-driven, with a shared direction among all business, societal and governance stakeholders
- UK public and private investment into skills, technology and infrastructure is essential
- A co-produced national UK industrial strategy is needed to give certainty and enable long-term investment into low-carbon technologies