WMG could provide blueprint for new Turkish innovation centre

A MIDLAND manufacturing and innovation centre could provide the blueprint for a similar facility in Turkey.

A top level Turkish delegation headed by Nihat Ergun, Turkish Minister of Industry and Trade and Mr Huseyin Tanriverdi, Member of the Turkish Parliament and Vice President of the Justice and Development Party, assessed how such a centre could work during a visit to Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick.

The delegation had asked to visit WMG to find out more about how it forged successful partnerships between academia and industry.   

During their visit, the two politicians met with WMG director Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya to discuss the economic and academic benefits of such partnerships.  

Turkey is looking to launch an innovation centre which will provide an opportunity for technology transfer and innovation within Turkish industry.  The country is also keen to develop the skills of its workforce, by working with industry to create relevant postgraduate management courses.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said: “It is always encouraging when another country views WMG as best practice when it comes to working with industry.  

“We have developed a world-wide reputation of working collaboratively with global companies to help them develop innovative products and processes.  We are an advocate of working with industry to promote innovation and develop the skills of their workforce.   WMG is supportive of developing an innovation centre in Turkey.”  

During their visit, the Turkish duo toured WMG’s International Digital Laboratory and International Manufacturing Centre. They also met and spoke with university staff to learn more about the multi-disciplinary work being carried out.

Professor Paul Jennings spoke of his research in sound environments in hospitals, cityscapes, and the automotive sector, while at the Institute of Digital Healthcare Professor Vinesh Raja highlighted the multi-disciplinary approach to improving people’s health and wellbeing through the use of innovative technologies.  

Dr Mark Williams highlighted the university’s new £4m unique Customer Interface Technologies Centre of Excellence, which gives companies direct access to the latest product evaluation technologies and processes.  

Mr Ergun said: “We are very impressed with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya and what he has achieved.  WMG is an excellent example of how universities can work with global companies such as Tata to develop innovative products and through this promote innovation.”