Building Britain's future: New industry, new jobs (Business and Enterprise Regulation and Reform (BERR) and Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS), April 2009) 

This government strategy paper partners a paper set in the context of the European Union (EU) - The future of EU competitiveness: From economic recovery to sustainable growth (BIS, June 2009). 

The need for languagesis implicit in the repeated reference to international competitiveness and the significant role of international supply chains for the UK’s future economic prosperity.

Elements with particular relevance for support in improving the UK’s capacity in languages and intercultural skills:

'1.10 The world’s economy is set to double in size and a number of trends in the global economy will present significant new opportunities for British businesses: growing populations and rising prosperity in other parts of the world; new technologies; the transition to low carbon and the green revolution; changes in the age profiles of different societies; and the spread of international supply chains.

'1.11 British businesses, and the British economy as a whole, have fundamental strengths that position us well to capitalise on these dramatic changes. But others will be doing the same so we have to keep ahead of the game. That is why continued investment to raise the performance of British businesses and people is now needed to help them seize these market opportunities.

'2.10 Reflecting falling transport and production costs, international supply chains will dominate the way goods are produced and traded. (...)'