Future trends, challenges and opportunities for UK manufacturing have been identified in a new study by Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing.

The report, "A landscape for the future of high value manufacturing in the UK", was commissioned by the Technology Strategy Board, the nation’s innovation agency, to examine the global manufacturing environment and map out the future of high value manufacturing in the UK over the next fifteen to twenty years.

The IfM study was announced at the Government’s Growth Summit in Bristol on 23 February. It will be used to inform public policies, research strategies and investment programmes, particularly in the high value manufacturing Catapult centre, opened in October 2011.

The report identified important trends influencing the changing nature of manufacturing, whilst considering the greatest challenges and opportunities manufacturing firms are likely to face – captured in five strategic themes.

“Using tried and tested roadmapping techniques, coupled with a highly structured consultation process, this report reflects the views of a broad cross-section of senior industrialists, academics and institutions. Their collective expertise provides an excellent foundation on which to build robust and focussed policies to support our vital manufacturing industries.”

Professor Sir Mike Gregory, Head of the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing.

“The UK has a well-deserved international reputation for the quality of its science and engineering research. However, the pathway to impact from excellent research can be convoluted. This report highlights a number of areas of clear national advantage, where the prospects for successful innovative outcomes are strong. The strategic focus described within this report provides an opportunity to build and sustain manufacturing competitiveness over the long term.”

Mark Claydon-Smith, EPSRC Lead, Manufacturing the Future

Download a copy of the report.

Download the press release about the report.