A major new report that seeks to future-proof the UK’s manufacturing sector, helping it adapt to, and benefit from, digital technologies has been published.
The Digital World 2050 report marks the conclusion of a six-year study funded by Connected Everything – an ESPRC-funded network led by the University of Nottingham comprising circular economists, digital manufacturing experts, and more. It has identified five key recommendations that will support the longevity of UK manufacturing.
Co-authored by researchers from the Universities of Nottingham, Exeter, Liverpool, and Cambridge, the study draws together evidence from a plethora of areas, such as policy literature and government documents, as well as conversations with leaders from academia, industry and policy that took the form of conferences, surveys and roundtables.
Dr Oliver Fisher, co-author and former research fellow at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, said: “When we started this horizon scanning work, imagining what manufacturing in 2050 would look like was a daunting prospect. But by bringing together of expertise from across disciplines we were able to gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that may emerge as digital technologies are embedded within manufacturing processes and workforces.
“I hope the knowledge generated within this report will help accelerate the transition towards a sustainable manufacturing future.”
To establish the recommendations, researchers identified four themes: industrial digital technologies in 2050; digitisation and the manufacturing workforce of the future; digital support for achieving net zero by 2050; and digitally enabled manufacturing excellence – from which five recommendations emerged strongly:
- Connect technology to manufacturers: To create opportunities, increase productivity and solve industry challenges.
- Reduce digital manufacturing knowledge barriers: To make solutions simple and intuitive for all users.
- Consolidate digital manufacturing guidance: So that manufacturers can access the relevant expertise to implement solutions.
- Support employee wellbeing during transition: To help them engage with digital transformation and not be left behind.
- Transparency of value chain data: To greater understand environmental and social impacts of manufacturing decisions and drive more sustainable choices.
Other recommendations included encouraging researchers to demonstrate the digital manufacturing costs vs benefits; supporting the design of sustainable products; providing financial incentives for manufacturers to decarbonise; and removing legislation preventing waste from being used as a viable alternative resource.
Fiona Charnley, co-author and professor of Circular Innovation at the University of Exeter Business School, said: “Digital technology is becoming embedded throughout manufacturing and society and has a critical and growing part to play in addressing manufacturing challenges and delivering a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.
“This horizon-scanning study will help industry identify suitable collaboration partners for future research, and determine opportunities for investment in new technologies. Maximising its contribution will depend on the decisions we make today, and the actions of governments, industry, and funders.”
