This paper examines how modern economic statecraft was developed in the early 20th Century and how a better understanding of that history might improve policy making today.

The UK grapples with complex policy issues at the intersection of economics and national security. This paper, part of a series, explores historical challenges and emphasises the need for government reform to enhance analytical capabilities, calling for senior officials' support to effectively address modern policy challenges.

The intersection of economic prosperity and national security poses increasing challenges, demanding a multidisciplinary approach from policymakers. Despite prior Civil Service efforts, frequent reform programs have failed to equip policymakers with lasting expertise to address evolving complexities. This report explores historical shortcomings and suggests a strategy for sustained improvement. 

What can post-war Britain tell us about how the state should approach technology today? Post WW2, technological frontiers were seen as crucial for both prosperity and security – but big bets on Concorde and nuclear power generation failed. This cautionary tale of 'techno-nationalism' may have more lessons for industrial strategy today than the post-war example of the US moonshot.