Talk: THE ROLE OF THE UK INNOVATION NETWORK IN SUPPORTING ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IN THE UK

Inan increasingly competitive global landscape, this year’s Engineers Dinner talk will be will be given Colin Sirrett, a former Head of Head of Research & Technology at Airbus UK, Chief Executive of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and current Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society Learned Society Board.

The UK has historically driven engineering and technological innovation driven by the private sector but supported by the private sector. This used to be through direct subsidies and Government research centres but for many years this has been through the Innovate UK Catapult Network partnering with start-ups and established multinationals to drive the development of new technologies and high technology jobs in the UK.

Colin will discuss both his time setting up the AMRC on the site of the closed Orgreave coal mine outside Sheffield with a 16-21 unemployment rate of 94% in the 1980s to a high technology hub that attracted: Boeing to build actuator systems, Rolls Royce aero engine blades and now small modular (nuclear) reactors (SMRs) and Mclaren Automotive to build its composite chassis. Colin will also discuss the importance of engineering and technology skills to the future of the UK.

Host Richard has said  "I apologise to all our previous engineering attendees for the changes in dates and speaker for this year's dinner, but I hope that I can encourage you to once again make it to this event because it is the mix of ages and experience that makes it what it is, I look forward to seeing you all again for another great night together."

The event is limited to 30 places, so please sign up as early as possible. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Richard Amunugama (Burton Bank 1988-93)