GENERAL NEWS
AI has the potential to reshape manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is leading the manufacturing industry to a transformation point . What first seemed like an opportunity to be an early adopter is now reshaping the status quo across industry , research , academia and policy . To look at the effect of AI adoption in the manufacturing industry from the perspective of the regions under the Regional Innovation Scheme ( RIS ), EIT Manufacturing hosted the recent RIS Hubs Conference 2024 in Budapest .
RIS is a programme initiated by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology ( EIT ). It aims to reduce regional innovation disparities within the European Union ( EU ) and build innovation capacity by connecting innovators and local actors ( such as businesses , start-ups , incubators , research institutions and academia ). EIT Manufacturing set up 12 RIS HUBs to reach this goal . They tailor initiatives to the specific needs of each region under the RIS programme .
Future manufacturing
“ The manufacturing industry can reach new levels of technological advancements , as unanimously agreed by the speakers in Budapest . AI is driving these advancements , particularly in predictive maintenance , quality control , process automation , data analysis and supply chain optimisation . AI , along with Industry 4.0 , are reshaping lean manufacturing into the ‘ Factories of the Future ’ by boosting performance and accelerating sustainability . By adopting these new approaches , companies see at least a 6 % annual boost in productivity , as analysed by Bain & Company . As big corporations have access to finance , the path to digitalisation remains a challenging and costly process , especially for small businesses ,” outlined EIT Manufacturing .
“ SMEs will find it expensive to adopt new technologies and train their teams . Europe ’ s dependency on global markets for energy resources and technology , an ageing population and changing demographics could lead to a shortage of skilled workforce . However , digitalisation will make work safer and more engaging , drive innovation and make Europe a global leader in sustainable manufacturing . Manufacturing in 2030 will be a fusion of technology and human ingenuity , making things smarter and greener ,” it added .
According to speaker Andrej Guštin , CEO of Ljubljana-based start-up , Process Space , digitalisation is not just a tool but
Dr . Adam Nagy , Deputy State Secretary for Industry Affairs , Ministry for National Economy of Hungary , was a keynote speaker at the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference .
rather a strong transformative force that will redefine manufacturing from the ground up . In the ‘ Factories of the Future ’, a concept of enhanced manufacturing production , machines will think , processes will adapt autonomously and every decision will be data-driven , unlocking unprecedented efficiency and sustainability . Conversely , the human element — such as creativity , adaptability and leadership — remains even more critical , he said .
A fundamental shift
“ The adoption of AI has the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions by 5-10 %, according to a report by Google and BCG . Emerging economies can position themselves as leaders in green technology by modernising their manufacturing industry with AI , bypassing outdated infrastructure and minimising environmental impact ,” added EIT Manufacturing .
Dr . Verónica Rodriguez Garcia , RIS Strategy and Impact Manager at EIT Manufacturing , envisions AI as a tool for RIS countries to enhance their regional competitiveness in the manufacturing sector with improved productivity , quality , innovation and sustainability .
The conference specialists ’ conclusion : As AI continues to reshape manufacturing , the next decade will see a fundamental shift toward smarter , greener and more resilient industries , with emerging markets playing a key role in driving this transformation .
EIT Manufacturing is a public-private partnership , co-funded by the European Union and established in 2019 . EIT Manufacturing is one of the nine Knowledge and Innovation Communities ( KIC ) supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology ( EIT ). n
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UK launches new Steel Council
The new UK government is ramping up its plans to rebuild the UK ’ s steel sector with the launch of a new Steel Council , which will bring together leaders from across the industry to advise on the UK forthcoming ‘ Steel Strategy ’. UK ’ s Business Secretary , Jonathan Reynolds , chaired the first meeting of the Council on 7 January 2025 , with cochair Jon Bolton , Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute .
“ A secure future for the steel industry is vital to both the UK ’ s national security and delivering growth , the foundation of the government ’ s Plan for Change . With the launch of the Council , the government is taking another important step towards safeguarding the sector for the long term ,” it said .
The Council brings together steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel with trade union leaders , industry experts , devolved government representatives and trade associations to address the challenges facing the steel industry and make the changes needed to secure steelmaking in the UK . It will meet regularly as the government prepares to launch its ‘ Steel Strategy ’.
“ The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term . With the launch of the Steel Council , we ’ re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £ 2.5 billion of investment to secure growth right across the country ,” said UK Business Secretary , Jonathan Reynolds .
“ A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security , and by reflecting views from industry across the UK , as we bring forward our Steel Strategy , we ’ re delivering on the ‘ Plan for Change ’ and boosting economic stability ,” he explained . n
UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade , Jonathan Reynolds , co-chairs the new Steel Council .
6 | ismr . net | ISMR February 2025