Britain's Global Standing in Tech and Innovation

The article discusses Britain's significant role in the global video game industry, highlighting the development of the highly anticipated game 'Grand Theft Auto VI' by a team in Edinburgh, Scotland. The game is expected to be a cultural moment upon its release in 2026, with a production cost of over $2 billion. The article celebrates Britain's contribution to the gaming industry and questions whether the country can maintain its position in the industry. It also touches upon the British government's strategy for the creative industries.

The article profiles Pascal Soriot, the CEO of AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical giant. Soriot is a strong believer in science and has invested heavily in research and development, sacrificing immediate returns to shareholders. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca has transformed from a company in poor health to one that has doubled in size in five years. The company has invested over £1bn in its Cambridge headquarters, creating Europe's largest life-sciences hub. Soriot's approach has paid off, but the article hints that he is growing tired of Britain, possibly due to the country's declining confidence in vaccinations and other issues.

The article 'What’s Britain good at?' discusses Britain's historical innovations and its current struggles to maintain its global standing. It highlights Britain's past achievements, such as inventing the steam engine and pioneering vaccines, and contrasts them with its present challenges, including the potential relocation of AstraZeneca to New York. The article explores various aspects of Britain's current state, including its pharmaceutical industry, political landscape, and cultural trends.