UK’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Case Study

This case study deals with the rise and fall of Britain’s manufacturing leadership since the 17th century. It primarily illustrates how Britain rose as the global power and took advantage of its Empire to flourish its economy and industry. Called as the ‘Land of Industrial Revolution’ Britain although majorly a low resource country exhibited high innovative abilities in terms of industrialization – consequently excelling in the banking and insurance sectors. However, the first industrial nation could not continue its manufacturing lead from the last quarter of the 19th century. By the middle of the 20th century, the once global power became the ‘Sick Man of Europe’ compelling the government to take measures for reviving the manufacturing leadership post-wars.

Did British manufacturing sector lose its competitiveness because of protectionism, encouraging the companies to be proud of their manufacturing abilities and not necessarily other desirable practices like operational efficiency, economies of scale, and economies of scope, innovations and being market-savvy? Was the British manufacturing sector suffering from complacency and active inertia? If no, why did it fail to develop competitive advantage in any of the industries? Has the national culture anything to do with British manufacturing sector’s competitiveness being eroded over the decades.

1. To understand the historical context of the factors responsible for the British manufacturing sector’s competitiveness in the early 19th century
2. To understand how British manufacturing sector’s competitiveness eroded industry after industry and to debate on the reasons for the same
3. To examine the role of government in revitalizing British manufacturing sector’s competitiveness from time-to-time.

Solve the given case study and make a presentation.