A Blueprint for the Future of UK Manufacturing

Manufacturers are calling on business and government to focus on three key areas of the 15 point productivity plan, with education, investment and innovation deemed critical to help the sector increase global competitiveness and make productivity gains, according to a consultation by Siemens UK & Ireland.

'A Blueprint for the Future of UK Manufacturing', released by Siemens brings together the views of almost 80 manufacturers and senior management at Siemens factories in the UK.

Skills remains a key concern, with 73% of organisations stating that training and educating the next generation of manufacturing workforce was the most important measure they would like to see improve across the country.

Greater commitment for investment in infrastructure and digital technologies to improve productivity was also high on the agenda. Overwhelmingly, manufacturers fed back that there should be targeted investment at strategically important improvement projects, such as the road network and energy infrastructure.

Manufacturers believe improved support to enable greater collaboration between education and business is crucial. And, in terms of driving innovation through technology, 78% wanted greater access to funding to invest in R&D and other innovative manufacturing techniques and processes.

Brian Holliday, managing director – digital factory of Siemens UK & Ireland commented: “We undertook this consultation to gain an insight into what industry wants the UK to focus on to aid global competitiveness and productivity. Three key areas came to the fore - education, investment and innovation - which align closely with three of the pillars of the UK’s ‘Productivity Plan’. Together, these form a persuasive, insightful and sustainable ‘Blueprint for the Future of UK Manufacturing’ and an achievable template for success."

Siemens www.siemens.com