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Episode details

Radio 4,09 Nov 2026,42 mins

Series The Growth Conundrum

3. Growing Up

Understand

Available for over a year

In Episode 3 of The Growth Conundrum Ben Chu assesses the UK's underlying economic strengths and the size and nature of the opportunities to be found in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and life sciences - and asks whether a big part of the solution is to be found in enabling our regional cities to fulfil their untapped potential. He also asks whether, in this era of political instability, which has seen seven different prime ministers in Number 10 in the last ten years, politicians have the space and courage to do what’s necesary to deliver strong growth. He turns a spotlight on us, the public, asking whether we’re actually prepared to bear the short-term pain and inconvenience needed to get long-term gains. Ben dives deep into the politics of growth with experts, former chancellors and business leaders and asks what it will take to finally solve the UK's long standing Growth Conundrum. Presenter: Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis Correspondent, BBC Verify Producer: Caroline Bayley Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinators: Janet Staples and Katie Morrison Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

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