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Innovation through crises in the 2020s: survey evidence on digital, AI and net zero innovation in UK firms

Author

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  • Juliana Oliveira-Cunha
  • Bruno Serra-Lorenzo
  • Anna Valero

Abstract

In this policy brief, we present new data from a survey of 373 UK firms conducted in May 2024 in partnership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). This is a follow-up to our two earlier surveys which revealed that firms adopted more new digital technologies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The surveys showed that such innovative activity had persisted, but that innovation patterns were uneven - with larger and more digitised businesses being more likely to adopt new technologies since the pandemic. Since then, UK businesses and consumers have faced significant challenges, including the cost-of-living and energy crises, while continuing to adapt to changes brought about by Brexit. This survey wave provides an updated view on business innovation through crises and change in the early 2020s.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliana Oliveira-Cunha & Bruno Serra-Lorenzo & Anna Valero, 2025. "Innovation through crises in the 2020s: survey evidence on digital, AI and net zero innovation in UK firms," CEP Reports 50, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    • Handle: RePEc:cep:cepsps:50
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daron Acemoglu & Pascual Restrepo, 2020. "The wrong kind of AI? Artificial intelligence and the future of labour demand," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 13(1), pages 25-35.
    2. Draca, Mirko & Nathan, Max & Nguyen-Tien, Viet & Oliveira-Cunha, Juliana & Rosso, Anna & Valero, Anna, 2024. "The New Wave? The Role of Human Capital and STEM Skills in Technology Adoption in the UK," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1521, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    3. Capucine Riom & Anna Valero, 2020. "The business response to Covid-19: the CEP-CBI survey on technology adoption," CEP Covid-19 Analyses cepcovid-19-009, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    4. Daron Acemoglu, 2025. "The simple macroeconomics of AI," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 40(121), pages 13-58.
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