In fact, all the research that has now come to light shows that it is the application of the new technologies which leads to the big increases in productivity, not the manufacture. In fact, manufacturing often takes place in a huge foreign-owned factory, using orthodox mass production techniques, with very little spin-off to the rest of the economy. My third theme is demographic.
All around the developed world, populations are aging and the growth of working-age populations is slowing or, in some cases, falling. More retired people are being supported by fewer working people. We should be looking ahead and encouraging higher labour force  8  BIS Review 49/2003  participation by older workers.