The role innovative manufacturing supply chain companies can play in the development of the UK’s oil and gas sector will be explored in a series of roadshows being hosted by the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC).

The three ‘Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Roadshow’ events have been organised by the Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) in conjunction with the Oil & Gas Technology Centre and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and aims to solve the four key materials and manufacturing challenges currently being addressed by the UKCS Technology Leadership Board.

The events will focus on how developers from outside the oil and gas supply chain can help solve these challenges.

Each of the roadshows, which are free to attend, will be split into two halves. The morning will feature speakers from companies such as Total, BP and Shell, who will articulate their specific challenges. These will be followed by additional speakers from organisations such as Scottish Enterprise, Innovate UK, Oil & Gas Innovation Centre and the Oil and Gas Authority, who will talk about the funding landscape available to manufacturers and other organisations wishing to pursue one of the project opportunities.

The afternoon sessions will focus on developing programme or technology concepts, and looking in detail at the themes identified by the industry bodies during the morning sessions. The events aim to identify technology innovators willing to participate in an interactive platform that will share ideas, create peer groups and ultimately accelerate the uptake of new technologies.

Keith Mackie, director of strategic projects and international development at ITF, said: “As the industry continues to adapt to the new lower for longer regime, it needs to look to other industries for inspiration and innovation in order to solve ongoing challenges.

“The industry is willing to learn; it is ready to listen, and to collaborate in order to move forward efficiently and cost effectively. The Materials and Manufacturing Roadshow events provide a platform for technology developers from alternate industries, as well as oil and gas, to help solve the four key challenges addressed by the UKCS Technology Leadership Board.”

The roadshows will be staged at the following three venues:

Glasgow: October 10^th 2017
The Advanced Forming Research Centre, 85 Inchinnan Drive, Inchinnan PA4 9LJ

Rotherham: October 12^th 2017
Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Brunel Way, Catcliffe S60 5WG

Bristol: October 17^th 2017
National Composites Centre, Feynman Way Central, Bristol & Bath Science Park, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FS

To register for a place at one of the events, visit the link below.

Industry Technology Facilitator
www.itfenergy.com/news-and-events/event/innovation-days-roadshows

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