IfM News April 2015No 208

Focus on: International Manufacturing Policy Workshop Series

A delegation from the Japanese Cabinet Office visited the IfM as part of CSTI’s international activities.

CSTI carries out a wide range of international policy activities, including benchmarking of national innovation systems, comparative studies on key manufacturing themes (R&D, emerging technologies, skills, etc.) and a series of policy events.

In addition to events held at the IfM on an ongoing basis, the Centre has recently launched a new programme of international manufacturing policy workshops, supported by the UK government’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN). These events are shaped in collaboration with key local institutions and are organised and facilitated with the help of ECS.

The aim of these workshops is to share lessons and effective practices related to:

• Manufacturing policy development – practical experience and expertise in key areas of manufacturing policy and industrial sector strategy;

• Manufacturing foresight/evidence – key manufacturing trends and drivers, and policy-relevant analysis of manufacturing systems;

• Manufacturing policy ‘institutions’ – for example: technology and innovation centres (eg UK Catapults), national academies, university-industry collaborative R&D

organisations, industry associations.

The first event in the series was a UK-Japan Workshop held in Tokyo in June 2014 (pictured), jointly organised with the University of Tokyo. The aims of this workshop were to identify cooperation opportunities in the development of high value manufacturing, share processes and findings concerning manufacturing futures, gain mutual understanding of national manufacturing policy landscapes and develop frameworks to enable continuing dialogue between UK and Japan.

A second event was held at the White House in Washington, D.C. in March this year, in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO). The UK-US Workshop on Manufacturing and Innovation Policy focused on advanced manufacturing innovation institutes, and, in particular, the recently formed UK High Value

Manufacturing ‘Catapult’ and US National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).

In autumn 2015, the team will run a UK-Germany Workshop in Berlin, sharing lessons learnt and best practices with national institutions from both countries and sharing views on the topic of “Industry 4.0”.

Other activities have been organised as part of these workshops, including visits to and from key international manufacturing policy institutions. This month the IfM welcomed a delegation from the Japanese Cabinet Office. The visitors were introduced to CSTI’s analysis of international manufacturing policies and R&D priorities and discussed the role of advanced design and manufacturing technology innovation in underpinning manufacturing competitiveness.

For more information on CSTI’s activities visit:

www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/csti

Manufacturing Policy Portal launched

CSTI has launched a portal focused on manufacturing policies. The Manufacturing Policy Portal features a collation of advanced manufacturing policies and initiatives in various leading economies around the world, to serve as a resource for policymakers and academics alike.

The portal is comprised of three main components:

• country profiles of selected leading manufacturing nations that outline the national manufacturing policy agenda, recent industrial policies, and the institutional infrastructure supporting policy formulation and implementation;

• policy database containing a variety of recent manufacturing policy documents and futures studies;

• resources including country briefing notes, studies of innovation systems and manufacturing strategies, and reports of recent international workshops.

www.manufacturing-policy.eng.cam.ac.uk

Paul Beecher’s team wins BBC2’s Only Connect series

Paul Beecher (CSTI) was on the winning team of Only Connect, a BBC2 quiz show where participants have to find a connection between apparently unconnected things. We announced in November that they had won the first challenge, but that was just the start: they then went on to win the whole series. Well done Paul and team!

You can watch the final match here:

bit.ly/1yOwEZS

Letizia Mortara discusses breakthrough innovation in the food sectorOn 13 April, Letizia Mortara (CTM) was invited to speak at the Food and Drink Network Event on Breakthrough Innovation, held in London. Letizia’s talk focused on Open Innovation and the work done at the IfM by researchers and by the OI FMCG forum. She presented the work being done within the Bit by Bit project and talked about threats and opportunities for companies brought along by disruptive innovation, and how Open Innovation can help.

For the full programme visit:

bit.ly/1DgTJ40

Steve Evans takes part in EEF Future of Manufacturing awardsSteve Evans (CIS) was chair of the judging panel for the Future of Manufacturing awards held in London by the EEF, the

manufacturers’ organisation. He presented the main awards and also gave a brief speech at the EEF National Awards Gala Dinner on 15 April.

22nd Annual Research Methodology WorkshopDoctoral students from across the UK and Europe convened for the 22nd Annual Research Methodology Workshop at the IfM on 9-10 April. The session covered a wide range of

research methods most commonly employed in the research of technology, management and policy phenomena.

Experienced researchers from the IfM and external institutions led sessions that explored various methodology-related topics—such as Foundations of Research Design, Qualitative Data Handling, Quantitative / Mixed Methods, Journal Publications and Working with Industry —as well as sessions that enabled students to receive personalized feedback on their research design.

Results of the 3DP-RDM Feasibility Study CompetitionCongratulations to the team composed of Duncan McFarlane, Raj Srinivasan, Alan Thorne and Ronan Daly from DIAL and Maurizio Tomasella (formerly part of CIP, now at Edinburgh University). Their proposal “OPTIMOS PRIME: Organising Production Technology Into MOst Responsive States – 3D PRInt Machine Enabled Networks” is one of four feasibility studies that has been selected for funding as part of the “3DP-RDM: Defining the research agenda for 3D printing-enabled re-distributed manufacturing” network.

The three other studies being funded are the following:

1. Investigating the Impact of CAD Data Transfer Standards for 3DP-RDM – Dr Eujin Pei, Brunel University

2. The enabling role of 3DP in redistributed manufacturing: A total cost model – Dr Martin Baumers, University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Oxford

3. Redistributing Material Supply Chains for 3D printing – Dr Matthias Holweg, University of Oxford

More information about the funding competition and these projects can be found on the network’s blog capturingthevalue.wordpress.com

Mukesh Kumar discusses supply chain risk

In the latest IfM video feature, Mukesh Kumar (CIM) addresses the issue of supply network risk and resilience.

Multinational corporations have complex global supply chains, yet their risk management strategy often stops at Tier 1-2 level and only covers some aspects of their business, which is not sufficient to guarantee resiliency. How can they manage their supply network risk more efficiently?

Watch the video here: bit.ly/MKscrr

To view the other videos in the series, check out the new video section on our website www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/resources/videos or visit our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/ifmcambridge

Nicky runs commercialisation roadmapping workshopNicky Athanassopoulou (ECS) ran a roadmapping workshop at Cranfield University for the Centre of Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision and several industry participants on 22 April. The Centre has developed a new, innovative Meso machine and the roadmap helped them look for ideas and applications for its commercialisation.

IfM PhD students selected at GradSchool 2015Two IfM PhD students – Arsalan Ghani from CIM and Tanqui Dong from CIP – were selected to attend a three-day residential course at Wyboston Lakes to develop their

skills and focus on their future career. GradSchool is organised by the University on an annual basis and about 90 PhD students are selected to participate, all from different departments and research centres.

The course includes case studies, talks and group work as well as events and fun activities, with an emphasis on team building, effective communication, career planning and business development.

Alexander Schurig helps clean up river Cam

Master’s student Alexander Schurig (CIS) joined 150 volunteers including MP Julian Huppert and Cambridge mayor Gerri Bird to give the banks of the Cam a good spring clean. The keen environmentalist is pictured recovering a bike from the river – about 75 where found that day, as well as 150 bags of rubbish.

Stress Reduction at the IfMHelen Zhang (CIM) is setting up a “Stress Reduction Group” at the IfM.

The aim is to continue the weekly mindfulness sessions, adding other mind and body exercises in order to reduce stress and increase mental clarity and productivity. For further information email hhz22@cam.ac.uk

IfM - People, Projects and Activities 2015

The 2015 annual report has been published – you can pick up a copy reception. The booklet contains details of current research and education projects, activities with industry and government and outreach initiatives.

Welcome, CSTI baby!

Tomas Coates Ulrichsen (CSTI) and his wife Jane welcomed their son, Kristoffer, into the world on 14 March weighing a healthy 3.85kg. He is growing well and loving life in Cambridge!

A cryptic message from a visitor about to leaveYou know who you are: thought-provoking supervisions - lunches at Cavendish - Guy Fawkes Night and hot chocolate - developing a board game - dinner at 7days - St. Patrick’s Day at St John’s - learning how to punt - sunshine and thunder at the same pub - 5 great days at Castleton - walking home pushing conked out bike - Taxi journey to Christmas formal - inspiring my future work life - surpassing ourselves at the tournament - Jazz at St John’s. Thank you for all the beautiful memories!

Upcoming eventsRoadmapping to build buy-in from Industrial PartnersThursday 30 April, 12:00-14:00Engineering DepartmentSo you’ve established a conversation with your industrial collaborator and agreed that your research is potentially valuable to them. How do you get your Industrial Partner to really see the potential and buy into working with you? How do you build a team with a shared view? How do you get them excited and on board? Dr Nicky Athanassopoulou has been running roadmapping workshops for several years helping research teams and their partners build a shared picture of where the research might lead and how it might be used.So come along to learn how roadmapping can be used to build commitment. We will also run an exercise with the technique to bring the session to life. If you’ve never tried roadmapping then come along for an introduction – and if you have done it before you’ll enjoy the exercise to give you new perspectives.Lunch at 12:00, discussion 12:30 – 13:30, networking to 14:00. The event is free and includes a complimentary meal.If you’re interested, please contact Jo Griffiths (jg393@cam.ac.uk) to reserve a place and discuss any dietary restrictions.Ultra Precision Manufacturing ConferenceTuesday 12 May, 08:45 to 17:00, IfMThis conference is designed to provide an opportunity for industrialists and academic researchers to share their latest ideas and to explore future collaborative opportunities in the field of Ultra Precision Engineering. For further information and to register please visit www.cdt-up.eng.cam.ac.uk/events/CDTConf or email up.conference.2015@my-ifm.netIfM Briefing DayThursday 14 May 2015, 9:45-17:00, IfMA day of interactive sessions for senior industrialists and policymakers presenting the latest research, approaches and practical applications from the Institute for Manufacturing.View the programme here: www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/uploads/Events/IfM-Briefing-Programme-2015.pdfSmart Packaging for the Food & Drink Sector Tuesday 19 May, 9:30-13:30, IfMThe purpose of this thought leadership event is to bring together members of the food & drink supply chain with Cambridge researchers and industry experts to find out how they are unlocking the potential of what science can contribute and provide insight into where the future of packaging may lie.Coffee and registration is from 9:30, the programme will start at 10:00 with a series of presentations and plenty of time for Q&A and discussion and close at 12:00, followed by lunch until 13:30.www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/events/smart-packaging-for-the-food-drink-sectorFirst Year Conference 2015Wednesday 20 May, 9:00-19:00, IfMThe First Year PhD Conference is an annual event organised and run by students were they present their ideas and results and showcase their work. The event includes a poster competition where an academic panel will give a prize to the three best teams.The format of the Conference will be as follows:9:00-17:00: Student presentations in SR2 and SR317:30-19:00 Poster Presentations in the Common Room

NOTICE

iTeams: Using technologies in the developing worldHave you ever wondered how new technologies can help people in the developing world? Are you interested in what Cambridge can do to help? If so, then the new Development i-Teams programme is for you!

The Humanitarian Centre and i-Teams are running this programme for the first time. Taking real research from Cambridge labs, the i-Teams will look into the realities of taking these to the developing world in a sustainable way that will improve people’s lives.

Development i-Teams is open to all students (undergraduates and post-graduates), post-docs and staff from Cambridge, ARU and UEA.

Apply by Monday 4 May. Details at www.iteamsonline.org or contact Amy Weatherup at am678@cam.ac.uk

New peopleNick Sherwen has joined ECS as a

Senior Industrial Fellow. Nick has more than 25 years’ experience in manufacturing industry across Europe. He spent 15 years

with Amcor, a leading global packaging manufacturer, in general management, operations and strategy roles. Much of his experience has been with mid-sized organisations, including private equity owned businesses. He has helped businesses with issues ranging from operational improvement and new product development to post-merger integration and restructuring.

Nick has a particular interest business

strategy as a driver for operational, technology and innovation strategy. He has a degree in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, did the ACPMM Postgraduate course (a forerunner of the current ISMM course) and has an MBA from London Business School.

Amanda Bamford has joined ECS as Executive and Professional Development Facilitator. This is her second role at the IfM, having previously worked as an ISMM Industrial Tutor between 2006-2011. In between, she worked in Industrial Inkjet at Xaar plc as Technical Training Manager.

Her work experience covers different

roles in the field of manufacturing, including project management, implementing production planning systems and applying manufacturing principles to a photograph agency and to healthcare processes in the NHS.

Amanda has a BSc (Hons) from the University of Hertfordshire in Manufacturing Systems and Physics; MSc from Cranfield University in Computer Integrated Manufacturing; MPhil from Middlesex University for work on the application of manufacturing philosophies to non-conventional manufacturing organisations; PGCert from Anglia Ruskin University in Learning and Teaching for Higher Education; and is currently studying for a CIPD level 5 diploma in Learning and Development Management which finishes in July.

PublicationsDespeisse, M., Kishita, Y., Nakano, M., and Barwood, M., 2015. Towards a circular economy for end-of-life vehicles: A comparative study UK - Japan. 22nd CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, 7-9 March 2015, Sydney, Australia.

Fernando, L., Evans, S., 2015. Competences necessary to improve the ability of organisation to design sustainable futures. SDM 2015 International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, 12-14 April 2015, Seville, Spain.

Jiao, N. and Evans, S.E., 2015. Secondary use of electric vehicle batteries and potential impacts on business models. SDM 2015 International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, 12-14 April 2015, Seville, Spain.

Litos L., Evans S., 2015. Developing sustainable manufacturing strategies through practice maturity assessment. SDM 2015 International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, 12-14 April 2015, Seville, Spain.

IfM in the newsThe six burning questions for firms looking to make money from big dataAndy Neely talks about how companies can use and take advantage of big data.The Telegraphbit.ly/1GiDARU

Manufacturing Policy Portal LaunchedNews item on CSTI’s portal focused on manufacturing policies.Works managementbit.ly/1aRNXOw