About the Department of Trade and Industry

The Department of Trade and Industry - also referred to as DTI - was a UK government department up until June 2007. It was then replaced by the creation of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Department of Innovation,, Universities and Skills. However, essentially the department has a new title but does much the same work.

The new departments

The department of trade and industry had nine main categories for which was responsible and these same categories remain in their jurisdiction under the new banner. These departments deal with employment law, innovation, company law, trade, business growth, regional economic development, energy, science and consumer law. In June 2009, however, there was a further change with the department merged into the newly formed Department for business, innovation and skills. It is now also responsible for adult learning, some parts of further education, higher education and science.

What it does

The aims of the new department are varied, but these are its most strategic goals. It is trying to accelerate the commercial exploitation of creativity and knowledge, through innovation and research, to create wealth, grow the economy, build successful UK businesses and improve the quality of life for British citizens. It is also striving to improve the skills of the population throughout their working lives to create a workforce capable of sustaining economic competitiveness, and enable individuals and companies using UK trade to thrive in the global economy. The department is also responsible for working with the education department to build social and community cohesion through improved social justice, civic participation and economic opportunity by raising aspirations and broadening participation, progression and achievement in learning and skills. It attempts to help UK business pursue global excellence in research and knowledge, promote the benefits of science in society, and deliver science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in line with employer demand. It aims to strengthen the capacity, quality and reputation of the Further and Higher Education systems and institutions to support national economic and social needs. And at its core, it will try to encourage better use of science in Government, foster public service innovation, and support other Government objectives which depend on the department’s expertise and remit.