Exploring the feasibility of anchoring innovation by enhancing the linkage between manufacturing research networks and supply chains

In recent years the progressive investment in large translational manufacturing research facilities in the UK has exceeded all expectations for industrial involvement and uptake, and has resulted in a model which has influenced others at a global level. One of the reasons for the success of this substantial programme is that much of the strategy has been driven from markets and large OEMs down into day-to-day manufacturing operations. This has the huge advantage that manufacturing developments are catalysed from more general trends in the provision of next generation products, making large scale coordinated activity on technological innovation much more feasible than it would otherwise be. It is however still clear that its impact in the deep supply base is less than might be hoped. This can be seen as an indirect consequence of the top down approach. It raises a key question of whether an investment programme in manufacturing research and innovation alone is sufficient to anchor innovation in the country or region of origin. This paper explores the viability of more complete consideration of supply chains in securing maximum value for money from ongoing investment in manufacturing R&D and innovation.