KTN’s 4 Manufacturing will aid the manufacturing industrial digitalisation boost over the next 10 years

4Manufacturing aligns with the recommendations from the Made Smarter report.

Transforming UK manufacturing through industrial digitalisation

The Made Smarter report, an independent review of industrial digitalisation published this week, sets out how UK manufacturing can be transformed through the adoption of industrial digital technology (IDT). According to the report, an estimated 10 years of industrial digitalisation could boost UK manufacturing by £455bn, increase sector growth by up to 3% per year and create a net gain of 175,000 jobs whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 4.5%.

Led by Professor Juergen Maier, CEO of Siemens UK, the review focuses on three priority areas informed by understanding of the three main challenges facing business: Leadership, Adoption and Innovation.

The areas of innovation referred to within the report: AI and machine learning, additive manufacturing, robotics and automation and AR/VR are areas in which the KTN recognises key opportunities and already operates some of our Special Interest Groups [SIGs], in particular Additive Manufacturing, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and Immerse UK.

These groups drive and facilitate key connections between research base, technology providers and potential technology users to build communities and ensure two-way knowledge exchange in the development and adoption of these technologies.

4Manufacturing

The KTN’s 4Manufacturing initiative is developing an approach enabling SME manufacturers to take their first steps along the 4IR journey, with the aim of driving and enabling innovation and business improvement.  The 4Manufacturing pilot, initiated and led by the KTN earlier this year, improved our understanding of the current level of awareness and adoption of digital manufacturing tools and technologies. Many of the outputs of the 4Manufacturing pilot align to key findings within the Made Smarter report.

Malcolm Harold, Digital Manufacturing Specialist for the KTN said, “Through 4Manufacturing, the KTN are developing an online portal that can provide data segmented by theme, sector and capability and enable comparison of the region’s strengths and weaknesses relative to other regions. KTN are also using this kind of data to inform further activity and influence funding, working with our partners at Innovate UK and the Research Councils. We welcome the Made Smarter report and look forward to working further with all those that have developed it. KTN’s remit is bringing the right individuals and organisations together to accelerate innovation for the benefit of the UK economy and we see this activity as a prime exemplar.”

Find out more about 4Manufacturing here

Juergen Maier of Siemens is one of the keynote speakers at KTN’s Innovation North West event, 8 Feb 2018.