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DSR 11C
We therefore encourage them. We look to investing more
in the future and less on supporting the casualties
of the past. We are moving the balance away from
direct financial support for nationalised industries
and the public sector and towards measures to help
industry to innovate. We are providing support for
the development of core technologies such as micro-
electronics, fibre optics and biotechnology*for the
development of new information technology products,
including computer software. Support has almost
doubled in real terms since my Government came
office.
That shows the strength of our commitment
to advancing innovation.
I do not want you to think, however, that this support
Businessmen will still be expected
is an easy option.
to back their decisions to invest in new technologies
with substantial funds of their own. The judgement in
the end whether or not to innovate, to go ahead with
a new design, product or productive process, must be
for businessmen themselves to make.
Governments should not substitute their judgement for
the commercial one. To do so leads to wrong decisions
and waste. I do, however, attach great importance to
education and training in the use of new technologies,
particularly for young people. In this the Government
/does