Businesses seem to be unwilling to invest in new facilities and even new skills for their employees.

I think part of the reason is that investors have become used to the rollercoaster of the tech boom and bust cycle. 

On the one hand, many expect new technology to keep arriving and providing them with relatively cheap productivity gains.

Others are reluctant to invest as they see new tech as a ‘fad’, rather than as a proper contribution to improved performance. 

It is time to see productivity improvement as a ‘journey’ not a destination. Like all journeys, it needs planning snd preparation … but above all it needs a clear route. It also needs energy and focus – it won’t just happen.  And it needs resourcing – in needs the development of infrastructure and skills, of thought and ideas.

Let’s focus our energies, and our investments, on improving productivity – we can make the difference.