Rapid technological development, growing global competition and increasing demands for sustainability are reshaping the landscape of the manufacturing industry. Over two intensive days, the focus was clear: how can industry, academia and society work together to drive the transformation forward?
Ola Isaksson notes: For engineers and academia, developing and applying knowledge to meet tough societal challenges is both a challenge, an opportunity and a responsibility.
The seminar opened with Professor Ola Isaksson from Chalmers, who also served as chair for the day. He reflected on the theme of the event and the role of engineers in driving societal transformation: “For engineers and academia alike, it is both a challenge, an opportunity, and a responsibility to develop and apply knowledge to address major societal challenges. The role of manufacturing in developing and providing sustainable solutions is one of the strongest driving forces for systemic change.”
A key to transformation
He was followed by Professor John Clarkson from the University of Cambridge, who shared his thoughts on how transformation can be achieved through a systematic approach. “Systems that work do not simply emerge by themselves,” he reminded participants.
Concrete examples from industry illustrated the scope of the challenge. Representatives from Volvo, Saab, GKN Aerospace and TRUMPF described how digitalisation is reshaping product realisation processes – and how organisations and people alike are being transformed. Expectations raised by leaders from the major innovation programmes Net Zero Industry and Advanced Digitalisation also highlighted the importance of systemic transformations.
Participants worked together on questions such as what competencies will be needed, how digital resources can be better utilised, and how academia–industry collaboration can be strengthened to accelerate system transformation in practice.
Research as a tool for transition
Professor Isaksson emphasised that research must be viewed as a tool in industry’s transformation journey, and that academia needs a deeper understanding of industrial challenges: “The engagement, presence and energy of the participants demonstrate the importance of these initiatives. The ability to adapt and develop new ways of working will be crucial. I hope that companies view strategic and collaborative research initiatives with universities as a natural part of their internal innovation and transformation strategies. This way, we can all achieve the greatest impact.”
He also pointed to the Wingquist Laboratory as a successful platform where industry and academia have collaborated for 25 years to strengthen digital product realisation.
Key takeaways
- We will continue the discussion to form a vision and what is required to achieve it – an important part of DRIVE PR
- Industry needs to use research as a tool in its transformation journey
- Researchers need a deeper understanding of industrial challenges that also include how to transform practice
- Advances in digitalisation must be harnessed to meet both competitiveness and societal challenges, together
→ This article is followed by a closer look at John Clarkson’s keynote and his perspective on the engineer’s role in system transformation.
Organised by: Chalmers Production Area of Advance in collaboration with DRIVE PR / Avancerad Digitalisering
Partners: SIGPM, Product Development Academy Sweden, The Design Society, Swedish Production Academy, Net Zero Industry - Impact innovation, Wingquist Laboratory
