John Robinson, creator of The Quorum Principle, believes there is a systemic problem in manufacturing and that bringing about a paradigm shift is the only way to solve it.
A major new initiative to improve UK manufacturing is being launched in London on 5 September 2024. The press launch will see over 100 senior leaders from across the UK manufacturing sector come together to mark the formal start of this proposed paradigm shift. The attendees will include manufacturers, suppliers, government representatives and industry bodies.
John is the driving force behind the initiative, he is a globally recognised thought leader on Industry 4.0. Prior to starting his own company in 2023, John’s career included senior roles at Kearney, SAP, EY, Atos and Aveva as well as roles in automation systems integration and over ten years in manufacturing.
It was this unusual career that enabled John to identify what he believes to be a systemic problem in global manufacturing. More importantly, he identified a solution based on radical collaboration that he has called ‘The Quorum Principle’. Since 2020, he has presented The Quorum Principle globally and has now created significant momentum and international interest in the concept.
John and Henry Anson of The Manufacturer discussed the possibility of a UK initiative with a specially convened ‘Coalition of the Willing’ at the Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week in June. The overwhelmingly positive response led to the development of the initiative.
Henry set out the challenge the UK manufacturing sector is facing by stating: “The UK has a unique set of challenges that threaten it’s ability to compete internationally and remain profitable. Technology doesn’t provide a competitive advantage because most technologies are available globally. The question therefore is what can we do differently to compete?
“I have been involved with the collaborative approach John is advocating for four years and I genuinely believe that this is something unique that has enormous potential.”
John specified why he has selected the UK as the first economy to launch such an initiative: “I selected the UK for three key reasons. First of all, this is where the largest group of advocates for the concept are located. Being based here, the logistics are easier but the main reason is that I am very passionate about UK manufacturing.”
He continued, “Travelling globally gives you a real insight into the efforts of the other major manufacturing economies. If you look at things such as Catena-X in Germany and Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, it really hits home that we are competing on a global stage.
“Retaining and creating jobs that contribute to the UK economy is essential. But in addition to that, we have a sustainability challenge. Therefore, finding solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable is the goal and I truly believe that a new, collaborative way of working is the answer.
“There is already a significant number of people and organisations getting involved. Global manufacturing brands to SME’s and suppliers including consultancies, IT and OT technology providers, integrators and startups. The initiative is open to anyone from across the spectrum of UK manufacturing.”
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