Overview - The Need. The Mission.
Rapid developments in digital and process technologies are reshaping production and manufacturing as we know it. The coming together of software, communications and internet technologies, with additive manufacturing and high value production capabilities are creating new opportunities. There are important implications for business models, supply chain management, product development and marketing which in turn have links to security, growth and competitiveness at both firm and national levels. Specifically in the UK, there is a gap between the high value manufacturing sector, designers and the emerging internet and ‘hacker’ grass roots movement, typified by the ‘Silicon Roundabout’ phenomenon.
The Future Manufacturing Forum (FMF) is a think tank and interest group that draws together stakeholders from across the ‘digital fabrication’ spectrum - from 3D web startups through to high value blue-chip manufacturers - to capitalise on the emerging opportunities at the interface of the internet and high value manufacturing.
The FMF provides a platform for communication, knowledge-sharing, debate, community-building and best practice dissemination. It supports cross-fertilisation, synergy formation and innovation between constituents, with the aim of creating momentum and leadership for sustainable competitiveness and value creation. The FMF is also a channel for communicating to, and informing, key stakeholders in policy, finance and education.
The Forum is inclusive, cutting across sectors, sizes and positions in the value chain. It draws on leaders from the internet and digital economies, high-value manufacturing, academia, design, industry and sector associations, NGOs, finance and government.
Amongst the key questions the FMF aims to tackle are:
The Future Manufacturing Forum (FMF) is a think tank and interest group that draws together stakeholders from across the ‘digital fabrication’ spectrum - from 3D web startups through to high value blue-chip manufacturers - to capitalise on the emerging opportunities at the interface of the internet and high value manufacturing.
The FMF provides a platform for communication, knowledge-sharing, debate, community-building and best practice dissemination. It supports cross-fertilisation, synergy formation and innovation between constituents, with the aim of creating momentum and leadership for sustainable competitiveness and value creation. The FMF is also a channel for communicating to, and informing, key stakeholders in policy, finance and education.
The Forum is inclusive, cutting across sectors, sizes and positions in the value chain. It draws on leaders from the internet and digital economies, high-value manufacturing, academia, design, industry and sector associations, NGOs, finance and government.
Amongst the key questions the FMF aims to tackle are:
- What are the emerging opportunities?
- What are the UK-wide and global implications?
- What actions and resources are required to take and maintain leadership?
