Leveraging Digital Technologies for Inclusive Growth in Manufacturing: Insights from InterAct Summer School

In today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, digital technologies have emerged as a catalyst for transformative change. InterAct Summer School, a gathering of early career researchers and doctoral students from the economic and social sciences, provided valuable insights into the potential of digital technologies in reducing polarity and promoting inclusive growth in the manufacturing industry. From improved communication and collaboration to sustainable manufacturing strategies, this article explores the key learnings and takeaways from the event.

InterAct is part of the Made Smarter Innovation (MSI) challenge which aims to help UK manufacturing become more productive and competitive through the innovation and diffusion of digital technology, and to support manufacturing to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Whilst technology is important, there are many social and economic factors that will be hugely influential in achieving these aims. The InterAct Network has two primary roles:

1.??Develop and support the creation of an effective digital innovation ecosystem to accelerate the innovation and diffusion of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs).

?2.???Ensure that the full range and depth of social and economic science insights are accessed across the Made Smarter Innovation challenge and the wider UK manufacturing sector.

Working alongside other partners within the wider MSI program, InterAct aims to build a strong, vibrant, interdisciplinary community where funding can be effectively distributed to researchers who will generate actionable economic and social science insights for the benefit of UK businesses.

The sessions provided an overview of the knowledge and research already in progress across the InterAct Core Research themes:

???Future of Digital Manufacturing Ecosystems

???Future of Work

???Future of the Economy

In a world faced with the looming threat of climate change, the InterAct Network will also support the efforts of UK manufacturing to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

1. Bridging the Gap through Improved Communication and Collaboration:

Digital platforms offer a unique opportunity for enhanced communication and collaboration between different divisions and teams within an organization. Real-time communication tools, cloud collaboration, and enterprise social networks break down geographical barriers and foster closer working relationships. By reducing friction and misunderstandings, digital technologies can mitigate polarity and create a more harmonious work environment.

2. Embracing Data Transparency and Accessibility:

Cloud computing and digital technologies enable data accessibility for all stakeholders within an organization. Data transparency builds trust, eliminates information silos, and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings. When everyone has access to the same information, conflicts due to information disparity are minimized.

3. Standardization and Automation for Consistency:

Digital technologies, including machine learning and AI, can standardize and automate various processes in manufacturing. This streamlines operations reduces variations, and minimizes discrepancies, ensuring consistent quality and production processes. Improved standardization decreases conflicts arising from quality control issues.

4. Leveraging Predictive Analytics for Proactive Problem-Solving:

By using predictive analytics, manufacturers can anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. Early identification of challenges allows for prompt resolution, preventing divisions or conflicts within the organization.

5. Empowering the Workforce through Training and Education:

Digital technologies, particularly e-learning platforms, facilitate skill development and education for employees. Ensuring a shared understanding of organizational processes, policies, and culture reduces potential conflicts and polarity within the workforce.

6. Embracing Digital Twin Technology for Enhanced Operations:

Digital twin technology creates digital replicas of physical assets and processes in manufacturing. This visualization enhances understanding, reducing misunderstandings and disagreements about operations.

7. Digital Leadership for Inclusivity and Democratic Decision-Making:

Leveraging digital platforms for decision-making fosters a more inclusive and democratic leadership style. Giving more voices a chance to be heard helps reduce potential polarity within the organization.

InterAct Summer School shed light on the transformative potential of digital technologies in the manufacturing industry. By streamlining operations, promoting collaboration, fostering innovation, and ensuring transparency, digital technologies pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient future for the manufacturing sector. As researchers and industry leaders continue to embrace these insights, the vision of a digitally empowered manufacturing ecosystem, characterized by inclusive growth and positive impact, becomes increasingly attainable.

The learnings from the summer school left us inspired and eager to gain hands-on experience, which we had the opportunity to do by visiting the Coca-Cola Ballina factory and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Research Centre in Letterkenny. These site visits provided invaluable insights into how these dynamic businesses are embracing new technologies and digital transformation to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the manufacturing industry.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Driving Innovation and Inclusivity

TCS, a renowned IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, has been partnering with world-leading businesses for half a century. Their approach centers around innovation and collective knowledge, with partnerships across academia, government institutions, start-ups, technology providers, and hyperscalers. Their vision is to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all through technological advancements.

The newly enlarged TCS business in Ireland provides cutting-edge business, digital, and technology services to customers in Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US. Their Letterkenny Global Delivery Centre (LKGDC) employs over 1,000 people from 40 countries, with diversity and inclusivity at its core, boasting a remarkable 35% female workforce, surpassing the industry standard. TCS's commitment to employee well-being, support, and career development has earned them recognition as a Global Top Employer.

During our visit to TCS, we explored the impact of innovation on global manufacturing, with a focus on digital capabilities, supply chains, logistics, and various industries, including Banking, Healthcare, and Retail. Their dedication to sustainability underscored their role as a frontrunner in the manufacturing industry's digital transformation journey.

Coca-Cola Ballina: Pioneering the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Founded in 1892, Coca-Cola has become the largest beverage manufacturer and distributor worldwide, offering over 2,800 products across more than 200 countries. At Coca-Cola, the manufacturing process involves multiple local channels, with Coca-Cola itself manufacturing and selling concentrates, beverage bases, and syrups to bottling operations.

The visit to Coca-Cola's Ballina facility left us in awe as it has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of the world's most advanced manufacturers. Admitted to the WEF's Global Lighthouse Network, Ballina Beverages has been leading the way in "fourth industrial revolution technologies," including AI, robotics, and cloud computing.

Coca-Cola's digital transformation efforts have led to impressive results, with a 6.8% increase in production over three years and a 29% reduction in energy consumption, bringing emissions back to 2011 levels. The company's dedication to IT infrastructure, advanced technology, and staff training has elevated its manufacturing capabilities to new heights.

Established 22 years ago, Coca-Cola's Ballina facility has become a significant employer in County Mayo, with more than 400 staff. The site's success extends beyond its direct employees, as multiple contracting companies provide employment opportunities to an additional 80 people at the Killala Road Facility, according to Mayo County Council.

As we continue our journey as early career researchers and doctoral students, we are excited to apply these insights and strive toward building a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive manufacturing ecosystem. Through collaboration, innovation, and collective knowledge, we can create a brighter future for the manufacturing industry and society at large.

But hand on the heart, the best part about summer school was PEOPLE. Met some fantastic researchers and learned from some most kind-hearted seasoned researchers. Here is to all the amazing friends I made! Three cheers