Main Aspects Covered in the 2009 Conference
The role of Government
Governments have a prime need to foster science and technology, not only for the nation's reputation but also for their own needs (as in defence) and for the economic strength of the nation. The success of high-technology industry will often depend on a regular supply of new developments to achieve and maintain a global lead.
In this section, we will hear from both governments and industry about best practice, in both the support and exploitation of research. Considerations of intellectual property protection will be included.
The Innovation Process (Achieving New Frontiers)
In today's world, new inventions and their use in innovative products and services are the basis for many new businesses. An essential pre-requisite is thus the existence of a strong science base, whether national or international.
Business success usually goes to the first to identify and utilise these new discoveries for benefit to business and the economy. One key aspect of this success is the ability to identify relevant new technologies at a very early stage and to acquire them for business benefit. In the 'global economy', these discoveries could arise anywhere, so a truly world-wide approach is essential.
Whilst it is not possible to predict every development in technology, and certainly not new fundamental discoveries, the successful organisation will have the ability to identify and assess new discoveries and developments as they emerge. Relevance to the operation of the organisation must be judged, and decisions taken whether to monitor or actively pursue these matters.
These processes are known by a number of titles, including 'Technology Watch', 'Technology Scanning', etc.
We will hear from leading exponents in industry, government and academia about proven, best practise methodologies and how they can be adopted for other environment.
Innovative Manufacturing
India has become one of the chosen destinations for manufacturing. This trend will be shaped by its competitiveness and meeting the global demands. In the longer term, close partnerships covering the whole product evolution from concept to production will become the norm, but there is no doubt that production will still form a key part of the partnership. Manufacturing technologies and advanced manufacturing systems integrated with intelligent design and manufacturing equipment will no doubt be a key topic of discussion. Taking prototype to mass production through the use of e-design, e-chain and e-manufacturing is already nearing reality.
The sectors affected include communication, aerospace, automotive, information technology, electronics and printing. Key aspects include Design and Future-proofing in prototyping; Evolution from Manufacturing to Service Models; Aligned buyers and sellers in Service Systems; Energy recycling in Electronics; Closed loops, recycling and Polymers and Closing loops for mobile phones.
Areas of concern are skills development, training, informing and consulting. Key speakers in this area may include senior representatives of Corporate and Government organizations.
Transformation Technology
Throughout the history of technology, there have occurred new developments that transform business environments, presenting major opportunities to adopters, and major threats to established suppliers. Examples that readily come to mind include the telephone, steam engine, air travel, electronic computers etc. More recently, we have seen the fusion of computing and telecommunications, the analysis of the human genome, DNA-based medicines, etc. The rise of the internet and its e-mail and data access capabilities have virtually eliminated letter post, as well as threatening book and music publishing.
These technologies, often known as 'Transformation Technologies' because of their dramatic impact on businesses, are appearing more and more frequently with the acceleration of scientific progress and the increased communication across the science world.
The successful enterprise of the future will be characterized by an expertise in identifying, accessing and exploiting such transformation technologies, whether they offer an opportunity for new business or a threat to existing products.
In this forum, we will hear from proven experts in this field, and learn best practice from them to apply in our own lives.
Global Partnering
In seeking competitive advantage, whether for a company or a nation, it is essential that a global view is taken. The research community is truly world-wide, with new developments coming from anywhere. In particular, the rapidly changing balance of research, technology and manufacturing between developed and developing nations must be taken into account. Equally, the resources needed for development and production are available in many nations.
The successful organisation will consider this in all aspects of their planning, whether it is technology creation and development, production or marketing, and form global partnerships to their mutual benefit. We will hear from leaders of successful organisations who have mastered this aspect.
The Internet – Future Developments
The importance and complexity of technology creation and its utilisation is common to many nations all around the world, with varying degrees of support from governments. In particular, the adoption of e-Government practices is a sign of a committed government.
There is a clear need to improve on an internet infrastructure which is as inherently fragile, in business security terms, as the present one. iIt is essential that we look at ways to optimise and render safe the cyber business world.
There is need for a concerted effort by heads of government to reach a common agreement of the importance of creating a development of the internet which will overtake and replace it in the interest of all nations. This task rests on each and every government to show their support for the creation of the eNet that will be more secure, profitable and manageable.
In achieving this, the economic powers of the world must support the developing countries in a shared initiative if they wish to realize the potential of a common global 'enhanced internet' to work. for the benefit of all.
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