Manufacturing has long been argued to be the heart of any modern economy. It produces valuable exports, boosts the balance of trade, provides skilled jobs and generates even more jobs in supporting service sectors. Yet many developed economies have seen the weight of manufacturing in their economies decrease since the 1970s, relative to services and finance. Can Britain re-engineer its economy towards production for export again? Could new technologies like 3D printing move from the level of the hobbyist to usher in a new industrial revolution? Speakers in this absorbing Battle of Ideas debate include Andrew Bergbaum, director & manufacturing industry consultant, AlixPartners; Peter Marsh, manufacturing editor, Financial Times; James Matthews, management consultant, founding member, NY Salon and Mike Wright, executive director, Jaguar Land Rover.
