Who should apply?
➢ The course is open to civil servants with an interest in industrial strategy, technology sectors and their role in economic growth, advanced manufacturing, industrial decarbonisation, the chemicals and/or automotive sectors.
➢ Please complete the automotive application form and submit to Imperial Policy Forum (the.forum@imperial.ac.uk) by 23:59 on May 9 2025.
➢ If you have any questions, please contact Pete Ford, Head of Policy Forum or Lauren Asplin, Strategic Engagement Lead.
➢ Applications for the Fine Chemicals bootcamp are now closed.
CSEP is running a series of bootcamps in partnership with the Imperial Policy Forum to inform Civil Servants seeking expert advice on enhancing the competitiveness of the UK economy across various sectors. Working in collaboration with businesses, we carry out rigorous research and translate this into strategies to bolster both firm-level and national competitiveness.
The government has proposed a new industrial strategy that will help deliver high-tech industries, boost lagging regions and support UK companies to be global champions in growth sectors. It has also launched the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, which will support the long-term delivery of the strategy.
Our bootcamps provide a unique opportunity to deepen expertise in the key sectors shaping the industrial strategy. Participants will gain access to Imperial/industry experts and the latest in-depth research from our investigations, along with suggested policy recommendations.
What to expect
- Expert Insights: Gain in-depth knowledge from leading academic and industry experts through presentations and discussions, focusing on sector-specific strategies to boost competitiveness.
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops to identify barriers to policy implementation and explore collaboration opportunities between government, industry, and academia.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a peer group of Civil Servants and industry leaders working in relevant sectors committed to evidence-based policymaking.
Format
During these bootcamps, Imperial academics and industry experts will present a comprehensive overview of the sectors in the UK, highlighting key barriers and presenting opportunities for government to uncover its economic potential moving forward.
The bootcamps will be full-day in-person sessions. This involves presentations from CSEP co-directors, academic, and industry leaders followed by interactive workshops tailored to participants roles and objectives for the session. The bootcamps are intended to support participants with advice and guidance on their current policy priorities within their departments.
The sessions will take place in the iCUBE, Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial’s South Kensington campus. More information on how to find us here. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Bootcamps
Fine chemicals are a hidden powerhouse of the UK economy. They contribute significantly to chemical manufacturing GVA and underpin a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to battery technology. Yet, despite their importance, the sector faces mounting challenges that threaten its competitiveness. High energy costs, raw material shortages, and a lack of skilled workers have hindered productivity growth, while regulatory uncertainty risks fragmenting global supply chains.
However, the UK retains key strengths in fine chemicals, including world-class R&D, a diversified product base, and deep industry expertise. Targeted interventions—such as strategic investment in innovation, streamlined regulation, and a stronger talent pipeline—could unlock new economic opportunities and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in high-value chemical manufacturing.
CSEP academics have been working with key industry bodies to develop a sector study that addresses these challenges. In Q2 2025, CSEP will publish the report outlining concrete policy recommendations to drive sustainable growth, enhance international competitiveness, and ensure the UK’s fine chemicals sector continues to thrive in the decades ahead.
The automotive sector is going through a fundamental structural transition which is both triggered by technology, climate change and geopolitical developments, and this has significant implications on GVA and employment in the UK. The industry is shifting from internal combustion engines to software-driven, AI-enabled, and electrified mobility. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions are reshaping supply chains, with the US prioritising domestic production and China expanding its dominance in EVs.
Key challenges for the UK include slow EV adoption, supply chain vulnerabilities, and a lack of investment in AI-driven mobility solutions. High vehicle costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, and limited incentives for zero-emission urban transport further hinder progress.
To stay competitive, the UK must leverage its strengths in R&D, AI, and battery innovation. CSEP academics have been working with key industry bodies, including Audi and BMW, to develop a sector strategy that addresses these challenges.
In Q2 2025, CSEP will publish a report outlining recommendations for the UK government on building an innovative automotive ecosystem, focusing on software-driven systems and new mobility business models, leveraging the UK’s strengths in IT and software talent.
Bootcamps on wider sectors will take place from Q3/Q4 2025 including:
• Tidal power
• Aerospace
Each of these sessions will follow a similar structure, presenting in-depth research of each sector study, where there are opportunities to improve UK competitiveness to and encourage joined-up government policymaking.
Benefits
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Navigation of Imperial’s expertise and resources and a better understanding of what CSEP offers and how to engage with Centre leads moving forward;
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Space to think in an intellectually challenging environment, offering fresh perspectives and the chance to step back and see the bigger picture;
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Connection to a peer group with shared interests in expertise, evidence and improved policymaking;
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Access to exclusive CSEP events and the opportunity to design, propose and execute joint research projects with university researchers; and
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Support to continue engagement with researchers including around emerging questions and interests.