I’m not just here to solve problems. I want to build a better country. Where we get inflation down and grow the economy. Where we cut NHS waiting times and improve the quality of care. Where we invest more in schools and give every child a world-class education.
But to me, innovation is much more about new ideas, new ways of doing things that drive economic and social progress. The product of creativity and ingenuity and what Roosevelt called ‘bold, persistent experimentation.’
I want to lead a country where that mindset and that culture of innovation permeates every aspect of what we do.Where it’s at the heart of our economic policy and at the heart of our vision for public services.
The question is – how do we do that? First, we need to harness innovation to drive economic growth. Second, we need to embed innovation in our public services – especially our NHS. Third, we need to teach people the skills to become great innovators.
Innovation matters. It matters because it creates more jobs, higher wages, and better opportunities for people. It matters because it improves our schools and NHS. And, over the long term, by boosting growth and creating more productive public services, innovation is how we will cut taxes for people and businesses.
That’s why I am placing innovation at the heart of my governing agenda. And despite the challenges we face – I am optimistic about the future. Because the golden thread of our national story has always been innovation. The idea that what’s yet to be discovered is surely even greater than all that’s come before.
I want the United Kingdom to be a place of learning, discovery, and imagination, of potential realised and ambition fulfilled. That’s how we’ll improve the lives of all our people. And as your Prime Minister, that’s what I’m going to do.