Episode 2

Image for Episode 2Not currently available on BBC iPlayer

Episode 2 of 3

Duration: 1 hour

How can Britain stay ahead of its competitors in the global economy? In the second part of his investigation into what we do and make in Britain, Evan Davis argues it's right for Britain to concentrate on excelling in the knowledge economy.

Industries such as pharmaceuticals and technology, which rely on innovation creativity and invention, can contribute greatly to the nation's bank balance. Evan travels to Silicon Fen outside Cambridge to see the high-tech company worth billions after designing chips for mobile phones, and tells the story of how one invention transformed the fortunes of glass makers Pilkington. He also visits China to investigate how British branding and marketing expertise is faring in this new and booming market.

Music Played

20 items

  • ONE LONG CHASE-A SHORT GUIDE TO NATIONAL WEALTH CREATION

    The economics of the last two and a half centuries can be summarised up as one long chase.Episode Two of Made in Britain looks at where this chase has taken us.

    WATCH YOUR BACK

    Someone invents a clever way of making money and others try to catch up.Britain was the first to industrialise but our competitors soon caught us.

    USE YOUR BRAINS

    So we moved on by using our brains rather than our hands.That has kept us ahead so far, but others are still out to steal, copy or improve on what we do.Not to disaster but to new industries based on brain power.

    CREATE AND INNOVATE

    Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of the British economy.
    There is a rule in the modern economy – you make the most money by being first.

    BEING CLEVER PAYS

    By doing things that others can’t do, we've made ourselves rich and as the first industrial nation, Britain long ago discovered that being clever is highly lucrative.

    YouTube video of Evan freerunning.

Credits

Series Producer
Michael Tuft
Presenter
Evan Davis
Director
Jon Stephens
Producer
Jon Stephens
Executive Producer
Dominic Crossley-Holland

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Episode 2 (4)

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