The 2026 Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance Annual Conference, themed Executing and Competing for Growth, will bring together leading voices from industry, government, and academia to examine how the UK can strengthen its competitive position and translate strategy into measurable economic outcomes. Held at Imperial College London, the conference will explore the practical challenges of delivering growth through effective industrial strategy, innovation, and sectoral development.
The programme will include keynote insights, expert presentations, and high-level panel discussions to address critical questions on British competitiveness, the execution of modern industrial strategy, and the role of research and development in driving long-term productivity. Interactive sessions will include a dedicated exhibition of CSEP’s sector strategies, where participants can engage directly with research teams working across key sectors, including downstream chemicals, automotive, health technology, and cyber security.
By drawing on diverse international and cross-sector perspectives, the conference will aim to identify the conditions necessary for building competitive advantage and to share best practices in implementing growth strategies at scale. Overall, the event will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, supporting evidence-based policy and actionable insights to enhance the UK’s economic performance.
Conference Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Guest arrival and registration |
| 09:00 | INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND HOUSEKEEPING Nigel Steward, Director, Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance |
| 09:05 | WELCOME REMARKS Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President for Strategic Engagement and Communications, Imperial College London |
| 09:15 | KEYNOTE ADDRESS |
| 09:30 | Executing the Modern Industrial Strategy
Presentation: Dame Clare Barclay, Chair, Industrial Strategy Advisory Council Panel discussion (moderated by Nigel Steward): |
| 10:30 | Coffee and networking break |
| 11:00 | Case Study: The Life Sciences Perspective on Growth and the Industrial Strategy
Presentation: Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner, SV Health Investors Panel discussion (moderated by Ramana Nanda, Academic Director, Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance): |
| 12:00 | Networking lunch |
| 13:00 | EXHIBITION
Explore CSEP’s latest sector reports, meet the research teams behind each study, and discuss the opportunities, challenges and policy priorities shaping the future of key UK industries. |
| 14:00 | What It Takes to Become the Best: Developing Competitive Advantage
Panel discussion (moderated by Nigel Steward): |
| 15:00 | Coffee break |
| 15:45 | Walking the Talk: Executing Growth Strategies
Panel discussion (moderated by Mike Short, Advisory Board Member, Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance): |
| 16:45 | CLOSING REMARKS |
| 17:00 | Networking reception |