Q&A with Paolo Enrico Favino – Deputy Head of the Automotive Unit, Department for Business & Trade
Paolo leads the team delivering DRIVE35, a £4 billion capital and R&D programme launched as part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Building on ATF and APC successes, DRIVE35 aims to unlock investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and accelerate the R&D and commercial scale-up of innovative technologies, positioning the UK at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. His team also leads the development of the 2026 Automotive Technology Strategy and the launch of EV manufacturing clusters in partnership with the NE and WM metro mayors. Previously, Paolo developed and led the implementation of innovation programmes at the Department for Transport, such as the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions, while delivering key commitments in the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan. He shaped policy on low-carbon fuels and environmental regulation, including amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation Order and the development of cross-modal hydrogen transport policies.
Why have you accepted the invitation to present at the Future Propulsion Conference?
I’ve accepted the invitation to present at the Future Propulsion Conference because it’s a fantastic opportunity to share our plans for growing the UK automotive industry – from the Industrial Strategy to the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, including DRIVE35 and our developing industrial policy initiatives such as the Automotive Technology Strategy. We want to hear from industry, understand your priorities, and work with you to unlock investment and ensure the long‑term success of UK automotive.
Why do you think it is important to deliver this Keynote?
Delivering this keynote is important because it allows us to build awareness of our work and help shape the industry consensus we need as we transition the UK automotive sector to zero‑emission technologies. Our aim is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop, design and manufacture zero‑emission vehicles, and our industrial strategy plans are designed to help secure that future.
What has DBT to offer to our Delegates?
DBT is about helping businesses invest, grow, innovate and expand into global markets. As the UK’s department for economic growth, it supports businesses in starting, running and scaling up, and provides access to a wide range of funding and support programmes. It helps companies reach international customers through its global network, and supports overseas investors looking to establish or expand operations in the UK. As part of implementing our Modern Industrial Strategy, DBT is developing an Automotive Technology Strategy which will shape the focus of our ambitious investment programmes, underpin our developing industrial policy, and provide long-term clarity on the UK’s technology priorities.