The Pioneers Innovation Forum, held at Rochdale Town Hall, brought together 150 business and academic leaders to discuss innovation and technology. The CEO of Siemens UK, Carl Ennis, was the keynote speaker and emphasized the importance of identifying problems before implementing new technology, such as AI. He advised businesses not to get too caught up in the excitement of new technology, but rather to focus on what problems they are trying to solve and how technology can be used to solve them.
Ennis also stressed the importance of prioritizing what’s important, rather than just what’s urgent. He encouraged leaders to take time to think about the future and plan for tomorrow, rather than just reacting to current situations. He noted that the UK ranks 24th globally for robot density, which is a challenge for productivity. Ennis believes that the UK’s emphasis on preserving old equipment and making it last longer can hold back productivity and competitiveness in a global marketplace.
The event also included a panel discussion with Philippa Glover, CEO of Rakem Group, and Prof Andy Miah, Chair of Science Communication & Future Media, at the University of Salford. The discussion was followed by workshops and an exhibition featuring nearly 30 exhibitors, including a demonstration of a robotic dog. The event was organized by the Rochdale Development Agency and attended by representatives from various businesses, universities, and organizations, including GM Business Growth Hub, MIDAS, and Innovate UK.
Ennis’ message was clear: businesses should focus on solving real problems, rather than just adopting new technology for its own sake. By prioritizing what’s important and planning for the future, businesses can stay competitive and drive productivity. The UK’s low ranking in robot density is a challenge that needs to be addressed, and Ennis believes that embracing new technologies is key to improving productivity and competitiveness. The Pioneers Innovation Forum provided a valuable opportunity for business and academic leaders to come together and discuss the importance of innovation and technology in driving growth and success.