This report argues that a highly skilled science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce will be required to underpin the UK’s ability to build an innovative, knowledge-intensive economy. The report, taking the perspective of the business sector, examines three aspects of this issue: (1) the importance of STEM skills for economic growth and higher living standards; (2) improving rates of progress on building STEM skills; and (3) creating the ‘pipeline’ for improving the STEM skills supply. The key recommendations are: expanding STEM education to include vocational pathways,...  [+] Show more

This report argues that a highly skilled science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce will be required to underpin the UK’s ability to build an innovative, knowledge-intensive economy. The report, taking the perspective of the business sector, examines three aspects of this issue: (1) the importance of STEM skills for economic growth and higher living standards; (2) improving rates of progress on building STEM skills; and (3) creating the ‘pipeline’ for improving the STEM skills supply. The key recommendations are: expanding STEM education to include vocational pathways, particularly apprenticeships, but also retraining of the existing workforce; widening the pipeline of young people making it to skilled STEM work, especially women; developing joint solutions across and between businesses for ongoing training; and aligning higher education funding with the STEM strategy.

The report argues that a long-term strategic government commitment to improving the STEM skill supply will provide the environment for businesses, universities and the education and training system to partner in investing in skills.

Edited excerpts from publication.