Defining Lancashire’s vision for a competitive and sustainable economy
Lancashire’s vision is to build upon its strengths in national security, clean growth and nuclear, digital, advanced engineering, culture and tourism to become a globally recognised, highly competitive, and sustainable region celebrated for its quality of life, connectivity, and opportunity.
With the right investment, devolved powers, and collaborative leadership, Lancashire will evolve into a:
- region with the industrial capacity and innovation ecosystem to host, accelerate, and scale technologies for future markets
- national exemplar of how diverse, dynamic communities can drive inclusive growth and attract global investment
- place that retains and attracts skilled talent through a compelling mix of affordability, opportunity, and lifestyle
- region where strategic leadership and targeted investment deliver prosperity in the communities that need it most
A framework for growth
Lancashire’s economic growth strategy is built around high-potential sectors that align with national priorities and regional strengths. These sectors offer targeted opportunities for innovation, investment, and job creation.
By focusing on these areas, Lancashire will harness its unique capabilities to deliver both local transformation and national impact.
Key drivers of growth include:
- a business base with the agility to apply core competencies to emerging technologies, creating new products and services for domestic and global markets
- the ability to onshore and secure sovereign capabilities in a rapidly changing global landscape
- strategic advantages rooted in natural resource connectivity and geographic positioning
- a robust research and innovation ecosystem, powered by world-class universities and institutions that fuel business growth and technological advancement
While advanced engineering and manufacturing (AEM) remain central to Lancashire’s economy, the plan recognises the need to diversify and future-proof the region. Digitisation and automation are reshaping employment demands, and emerging sectors such as cybersecurity are creating new opportunities for knowledge-based jobs, higher incomes, and integrated innovation, such as the development of cyber-physical systems.
Sectoral drivers of growth
The following sectoral priorities reflect Lancashire’s unique economic strengths:
- Priority one - A strategic role in national security and resilience
- Priority two - Clean growth and a nuclear renaissance
- Priority three - Sustainable digital and artificial intelligence
- Priority four - Advanced engineering and manufacturing excellence
- Priority five - Culture and tourism as economic catalysts
Foundations for growth: Strategic enablers
Beyond sector-specific opportunities, Lancashire’s long-term success depends on a set of cross-cutting enablers that support inclusive, resilient, and innovation-led growth:
Infrastructure and place transformation
We will deliver a Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy that integrates transport, energy, housing, strategic employment sites, and the natural environment.
Knowledge and innovation assets
We will unlock the full economic potential of Lancashire’s research institutions, innovation hubs, and globally competitive business clusters.
Business growth and enterprise
We will modernise the region’s business support ecosystem by reviewing the position of the growth hub in respect of the national approach to business support.
Skills for growth and inclusion
We will focus skills provision to meet business needs, inspire our future workforce, and drive inclusive growth.
Health, wellbeing, and inclusive communities
We will invest in health innovation, support pathways back into employment, and empower civil society and the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sector.
Data and evidence
We will build a robust data and intelligence infrastructure to guide decision-making, track progress, and support evidence-based policy development.
Each enabler is designed to support multiple sectors, creating a resilient and interconnected growth ecosystem.
Growth plan projects
The projects set out in the Appendices are central to delivering the ambitions set out in this Growth Plan. These initiatives are designed to unlock productivity, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs across the region. They reflect the Growth Plan’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth by enhancing connectivity, accelerating clean energy innovation, expanding access to advanced skills, and regenerating key places. Together, the projects form a powerful portfolio of interventions that will shape Lancashire’s future and deliver long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider
UK economy.