State of innovation in UK manufacturing

Innovation plays a key role in UK manufacturing. Part of this is in creating new and exciting products that tempt consumers to spend money, boosting the economy. But innovation in manufacturing is more than just what comes off the production line; it’s about the way it gets there in the first place. The recent EEF Innovation Monitor Survey 2017/2018 highlights the growing importance of process innovation.

Process innovation

The report says that new process innovation technologies are not being adopted quickly or widely enough across the manufacturing industry. This includes innovation in management techniques, new machinery and the use of data to improve production processes.

So, what is holding back the wider implementation of process innovation in manufacturing? Money is a big problem; businesses need to invest in these new processes to reap the rewards, but often this cash has to be found from within and the funding just isn’t there. Plus, there is the issue of uncertainty about the outcomes of these new techniques and processes. There isn’t enough widespread confidence to generate a large-scale uptake. And then there is the problem of not having enough skilled workers for all these modern ideas.

Some of the UK’s larger, globally operating companies are starting to break new ground in innovative manufacturing. For example, Siemens is investing £27 million in a new 3D printing factory based in the UK. This new building will give the company’s additive manufacturing arm, Materials Solutions Ltd, the chance to expand its number of 3D printing machines over the next five years. It will also create jobs for highly skilled engineers and manufacturing specialists.

Driving innovation forwards

The UK government clearly believes that innovation is important in the manufacturing industry. In November 2017, 130 organisations, representing 63 innovative projects, received funding from a share of an £18.4 million investment. The projects showcase how research and innovation could be employed in factories to increase efficiency and sustainability. At the time, Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “These successful projects showcase how companies of all sizes can utilise the UK’s research and innovation expertise to improve their operations and competitiveness, boosting the UK economy and our global standing as a centre of excellence.” This drive is led by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, which strives to promote innovation across all sectors, including manufacturing.

There are barriers to innovation in manufacturing that need to be addressed. The main concern is having the right people in place now and in the future. The manufacturing industry struggles to attract the talent needed to push the sector forwards. The problems start early on, as uptake by young people studying STEM subjects isn’t rising at the rate needed to produce the engineers, designers and thinkers that manufacturing needs. Made Here Now is one initiative designed to change the perceptions of UK manufacturing and encourage more young people to consider a career in the industry.

The state of innovation in the UK right now is promising. There are plenty of companies making leaps into the future. With investment in young talent, as well as support for businesses to help increase confidence in new measures, innovation will continue to thrive.