LONDON (AP) — Britain's prime minister is expected to pledge investment into research and development as she speaks to business leaders, promising that the U.K. will be at the cutting edge of science and technology.

Theresa May, in excerpts of a speech to be delivered to the Confederation of British Industry on Monday, will say that Britain will commit to investing an extra 2 billion pounds a year ($2.4 billion) by 2020.

The goal is to help fuel the economy at a time when Britain is leaving the European Union.

The investment in science is set to be the first step in May's industrial strategy, which is "not about propping up failing industries or picking winners, but creating the conditions where winners can emerge and grow."