Today I am publishing two documents: “Innovation Nation”, a White Paper on Science and Innovation, and one on implementing “‘The Race to the Top’: Lord Sainsbury’s review of Government’s Science and Innovation Policies”. Copies will be made available in the Vote office and Printed Paper office.

The White Paper sets out what Government will do to ensure innovation can flourish across every area of our economy—in business, the third sector, and in the public sector.

We want to make Britain the best country in the world in which to run an innovative business or public service. We can do this by investing in people and knowledge, unlocking talent at all levels, by investing in research and in the exploitation of knowledge and by using regulation, public procurement and public services to shape the market for innovative solutions.

This White Paper marks a step change in the way we describe, understand and develop the Government’s role in creating the best conditions for innovation. We need to ensure that Britain contributes to the innovative solutions that will be needed if we are to tackle the big challenges of the 21st century, like global warming and sustainable development, and that British business and the British people benefit from the new opportunities and prosperity they create.

In our response to “‘The Race to the Top’: Lord Sainsbury’s review of Government’s Science and Innovation Policies”, which was published in October 2007, we outline the Government’s progress in implementing the recommendations set out in Lord Sainsbury’s review.

The Government have made good progress at implementing the recommendations. All recommendations have either been implemented or are in the process of implementation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank David Sainsbury for his work on the review, which has been a catalyst for our further work on science and innovation.