The Materials Processing Institute is to outline the challenges and opportunities of Brexit in a public lecture on ‘The effect of Brexit on Innovation.’
The lecture, which is hosted by the Cleveland Institution of Engineers, will be given by Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute and Innovation Lead on the UK Metals Council.
A report conducted by the Materials Processing Institute following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, set out the opportunities for growth within the UK industry but highlighted the need for a new industrial strategy, with innovation at its core. It also stressed the importance of long term planning and drew attention to the benefits of the establishment of a Catapult for the Foundation Industries.
Chris commented in the report: “In leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom will face many challenges but it also opens up opportunities as we move to an international trade-based economy.
“To broaden the horizons of UK trade, we need, in the first instance, to bridge the gaps left in our industrial strategy by departure from the EU. We then need to redouble our efforts to prioritise innovation, putting the UK at the vanguard of manufacturing ingenuity.”
The Teesside-based Institute, which is a not-for-profit company,works with industrial innovators to conduct research to enhance materials and industrial processes. It also continues to make specialist steel at the Normanton Plant at its facility on Teesside.
Chris concluded: “The Institute has been working closely with government in recent years to further industry’s request for a Catapult for the Foundation Industries. The Institute will renew its approach with incoming ministers and continue to campaign in the interests of UK industry.”
The lecture will take place on Tuesday 1 November in Teesside University’s Centuria building at 6pm.