FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Addressing the challenges
Image: Shutterstock. com. focus on overcoming sector-specific adoption challenges.
The result is a seven-layer hierarchical framework that maps the interdependencies between 12 critical barriers( including investment uncertainty, skills shortages, regulatory complexity and environmental considerations) and provides clear priorities for policymakers and industry leaders.
Using an Interpretive Structural Modelling( ISM) modelling technique, complemented with MICMAC analysis, the research team— Dr. Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed, Dr. Mehmet Chakkol and Dr. Aitana Uclés Fuensanta with support from Dr. Temidayo Akenroye( University of Missouri – St. Louis)— not only identified what is holding the sector back but laid out a practical roadmap for digital transformation.
“ Our research provides targeted, actionable recommendations that empower decisionmakers to focus their efforts where they’ ll have the greatest impact,” said Dr. Ibn- Mohammed.“ A strategic blend of policy reform, technological innovation, organisational change and smart economic planning is key to overcoming these barriers and building a greener, more competitive steel industry.”
Image: Shutterstock. com.
“ The team’ s findings have already been well received, including at AISTech( the Iron and Steel Technology Conference in the U. S.) where the research drew praise from international stakeholders. Plans are now underway to publish a dedicated practitioner’ s report to further inform industry strategy and support cross-sectoral collaboration,” the project team explained.
“ This is the first empirical analysis of its kind to map the causal relationships between barriers to IDT adoption,” said Dr. Aitana Uclés Fuensanta, the project’ s lead researcher.“ Our insights will enable stakeholders to prioritise action, share best practices and drive meaningful progress toward net zero.”
Dr. Aitana Uclés Fuensanta presenting at AISTech, the Iron and Steel Technology Conference.
In addition to transforming the steel sector, the methodologies developed through this research are already being applied to other industries, including ceramics and glass, reinforcing the UK’ s drive towards industrial sustainability innovation.
“ By addressing both the regulatory and operational challenges facing the sector, we can enable smarter, more adaptive policies and unlock the full potential of digital transformation in UK manufacturing,” added Dr. Ibn-Mohammed.
“ InterAct is committed to supporting innovative research that drives sustainable change across industries,” said Professor Jill MacBryde, InterAct Co-Director from the University of Strathclyde.“ The work undertaken by the University of Warwick team represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for the steel sector.” n
https:// warwick. ac. uk /
https:// interact-hub. org
InterAct secured year-long extension funding to amplify the impact of‘ Network’,
About InterAct
InterAct is a Made Smarter Innovationfunded, Economic and Social Research Council-led network that brings together economic and social scientists, UK manufacturers, policymakers and digital technology providers to address the human issues resulting from the diffusion of new technologies in industry.
With involvement in over 70 events( in-person and online), welcoming more than 2,000 stakeholders to engage and connect, InterAct has placed building‘ Network’ at the heart of their activities. With over 750 network members, the community is a bridge between industry, policy and academia.
InterAct has funded 30 + projects spanning topics from Digital Change Management to sustainable steel manufacturing and public perceptions of manufacturing, bringing together 100 + researchers from more than 40 institutions. InterAct also collated insights for UK manufacturing from the global manufacturing environment, leading research missions to engage with 150 + manufacturing and digital technology leaders in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia and Sri Lanka.
‘ Network’ recently received additional funding, totalling almost £ 1 million, aimed at supporting UK Small and Medium Enterprises( SMEs) with the effective adoption of new industrial digital technologies( IDTs) to improve sustainability in the manufacturing sector.
About The University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick in the UK is the youngest member of the Russell Group and known for seeking out and addressing complex global challenges with innovative thinking.
A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across modern facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs.
88 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2025