The United Kingdom lags behind China and the United States on investing in technology to drive innovation, according to a survey of business leaders across the UK.

That was the view of 56 percent of the 275 executives polled in a recent survey by consulting firm Accenture Plc.

"A tough economy over the past few years has led businesses to concentrate on cutting costs and improving employee productivity, making the focus on innovation insular," said Andrew Poppleton, managing director of Accenture's UK and Ireland technology group.