Technology ‘will drive fourth industrial revolution’

MANUFACTURERS are bracing themselves for the impact of a fourth industrial revolution, but are raising grave concerns over the UK’s ability to play a leading role.

This is according to new research from manufacturers’ organisation EEF with its North West regional director Darrell Matthews warning it could change the global face of the sector beyond recognition.

“The UK must take a leading role if we are to realise our ambitions for a healthy, balanced and growing economy,” he said.

“The next decade will bring great and rapid change and the early-adopting nations will maximise the opportunities presented by new technologies and thrive as a result. There will inevitably be winners and losers, which is why we should take note when manufacturers say there is a real danger of the UK being left behind.”

The revolution – dubbed Industry 4.0 and driven by rapid advances in technology – will become a widespread reality of manufacturing within the next decade with eight out of 10 such companies expecting to be affected by 2025.

Nine in 10 say Britain should be taking a leading role, but six out of 10 say Britain risks being left behind potentially knocking back Britain’s burgeoning industrial renaissance and prompting calls for the next Government to ensure the right industrial strategy and support framework is in place.