Key findings

• The white paper marks a new chapter in innovation policy for the UK. The DIUS has recognised that the UK will need to think differently about how, where and why it innovates
• To stay ahead and keep track, Nesta is charged with creating a new Innovation Index, and a new innovation research centre will keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation policy
• Innovation in public services will be promoted through the Public Services Innovation Laboratory and a Whitehall Hub and Network for Innovation
• The white paper makes several recommendations to help government create and diffuse new products and ways of working
• But in some areas the white paper has been constrained. Nesta’s recommendations for DIUS in order for it to meet challenges include piloting a hidden innovation start-up fund

Innovation Nation contains strong messages on demand, procurement, innovation in public services, and new forms of innovation.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills' (DIUS) Innovation Nation white paper demonstrates intellectual leadership, presents an ambitious new direction for UK innovation policy and lays out how the UK will keep track of its performance against this new framework.