The Prime Minister said he would be summoning a Downing Street summit in the autumn – involving all the major sports governing bodies – to look at the lessons that could be learned.

As part of that effort, the Government will publish an incentive plan to secure at least £80m in private sector sponsorship for the UK's elite athletes in 2012.

Firms will be encouraged to sponsor individual athletes or particular teams to try to propel them to sporting glory in London.

However, the scheme has already run into fierce criticism from the British Olympic Association chairman, Lord Moynihan, amid concerns that private sponsors have been slow to come forward.

Speaking in Beijing, Mr Brown said that he wanted Britain to build on its successes.

"Our challenge now is to turn what has been two weeks of great sporting success into ten years of sporting triumph for our country," he said.

"We have got to prove that success is not just a one-off. We must see 2012 as a huge opportunity to bring the fervour of Beijing, which has captivated people in our country, into the British Olympics."

The Prime Minister also gave a strong hint that the achievements of the champions in Beijing, such as Chris Hoy and Rebecca Addington, would be recognised through the Honours' List.

"I think the whole country will want to see our athletes honoured and I think the country will want to celebrate their successes and give them the permanent recognition," he said.

Currently, Ministers have promised £320m from the National Lottery, with a further £200m in direct Government funding, for the UK's competitors in 2012.

The Government wants to bring that up to at least £600m through private sponsorship.

Mr Brown said that a number of major businesses had already expressed an interest in being involved. It was now important, he said, to capitalise on the enthusiasm generated by the UK's performances in Beijing to bring private backers on board."