The Difference Dividend: why immigration is vital to innovation

"Each wave of immigration over the last century has been accompanied by a clamour for control that has grown louder, the implication being that immigrants endanger British society.  What stands out is the very opposite: how much richer, more creative and innovative Britain has become because of its ability to attract immigrants and absorb what they have to give us.  For a society that will depend more and more on innovation, immigrants will be a vital source of dynamism.  We shut them out at our peril."

In the sixth of NESTA's provocations NESTA Senior Fellow, Charlie Leadbeater, explores the many ways immigration is important to innovation.  He draws on new research and extensive evidence to develop a compelling narrative that should change the way the UK approaches the issue of immigration. 

Once again, maximising the UK's innovative capacity seems to require straying far from the traditional narrow confines of "innovation policy".

To find out more and to take part in the conversation, please join us at this launch event for what we are sure will be a stimulating and thought-provoking debate.  Full breakfast will be provided.