National Productivity Week: a collaborative effort to boost the UK’s productivity

Improved productivity is the cornerstone of prosperity, yet the UK faces a significant challenge. Its productivity growth has stalled over the past 15 years, and UK firms have been trapped in an unsustainable low wage, low investment, low productivity cycle.

To address this pressing issue, National Productivity Week is being launched as an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of productivity and its far-reaching impact on the economy, society, and the environment. The aim is to inspire policymakers, business leaders, and managers to prioritise productivity as central to the agenda for economic growth and well-being, bridging the divides between different policy perspectives.

Over 15 events across the UK

From 27 November to 1 December 2023, a diverse range of events will be held across the length and breadth of the UK as part of National Productivity Week. These seminars, conferences, panel discussions, and debates will foster the sharing of insights and potential solutions to tackle the UK’s productivity slowdown, bringing together research experts, business leaders, government officials, and civic communities from around the nation.

To discover more about the events being held across the UK as part of National Productivity Week, visit our events page.

Topics for business leaders, managers, and policymakers

Events specifically tailored for business leaders, managers, and policymakers will be held both online and in key cities across the UK, including Belfast, Cambridge, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Sheffield, and Warwick. The discussions will cover critical topics such as:

• Understanding productivity’s significance for businesses and individuals
• Examining the regional dimension of UK productivity
• Exploring how businesses can collaborate with universities to enhance productivity
• Analysing the impact of policy churn, governance, and institutions on productivity

These events are being organised jointly by The Productivity Institute with the universities of Cambridge, Cardiff, Glasgow, Kings College London, Manchester, Queen’s Belfast, Sheffield and Warwick, as well as with Be the Business, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute for Government.

Launch of The Productivity Agenda

In addition, The Productivity Institute will be launching ‘The Productivity Agenda’, a publication with 10 chapters written by academic experts on productivity that will highlight key areas of policy for leaders to focus on so the public, private and civic sectors can be better equipped to translate productivity gains into improved living standards and well-being across the UK. Register to receive The Productivity Agenda as soon as it is published.

Why productivity matters

Productivity is important for a number of reasons. First, it is essential for economic growth. When workers are more productive, they can produce more goods and services, which leads to higher GDP and increased living standards. Second, productivity is important for global competitiveness. Countries with high productivity levels are better able to compete in the global economy and attract investment. Third, productivity can also lead to a better quality of life for workers. When workers are more productive, they can often work fewer hours or earn higher wages.

National Productivity Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of productivity and to promote a culture of productivity in the United Kingdom. By working together, business leaders, workers and policymakers can help to ensure that the UK remains a global leader in productivity and innovation.

Find out more

For further details in the run up to the week, visit www.productivityweek.co.uk