KNOWLEDGE and technology are the key to competing in the global economy, businesses in Essex have been told.

At the annual conference of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the message to businesses was to use technology to "adapt and innovate".

Businesses were also told they need an educated workforce to take advantage of opportunities at home and abroad.

Speaking at the conference, about how the eastern region can compete with growing global economies, Prof Ron Martin from Cambridge University explained: "The east of England is just about holding its own, but London and the south east are more productive and getting more so all the time.

"If another global region comes along that can do what we are doing, and do it better and cheaper, then that is where the business will go."

Richard Ellis, chairman of EEDA, added: "It is crucial to speak with one voice as a region. The east of England receives the lowest level of investment per capita in the whole country but is one of only three regions, along with London and South East, that is a net contributor to UK plc. Collectively we need to make the case to Government for more targeted investment in transport and infrastructure."