With the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill set to be introduced in early 2025, discussion of the necessary support and potential barriers for infrastructure projects is vital. Major infrastructure projects can be key drivers of economic growth in the UK. However, some claim there has not been enough investment over recent decades. The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has estimated that investment needs to increase by between 30% and 50% over the next decade to keep pace with global competitors. Industrial Strategy identifies the importance of scaling-up industries and businesses that show potential for global competitiveness, with infrastructure projects identified as key to this process. Growth-driving sectors require high quality infrastructure and transport connectivity. The importance of major infrastructure projects spans beyond financial incentives. The potential employment possibilities that these projects have historically created can be built upon. Notably, the Climate Change Committee believes that large clean energy infrastructure projects could create 725,000 jobs by 2030. How can we overcome the barriers to efficient major infrastructure projects to reap the benefits and remain globally competitive?

This event will:

• Consider how we can learn from previous major infrastructure projects to guide future endeavours?
• Examine how can we support “foundational sectors” in their critical role for economic growth?
• Discuss what we can learn from our global counterparts?