The IET Aerospace Network recently participated in an Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Conference in Bangalore which was held as part of the UK-India Manufacturing Week. The events showcased the UK and India’s research and innovation strengths, and manufacturing opportunities in the automotive, aerospace and defence sectors. The conference encouraged companies and researchers to explore collaboration and trade opportunities between the two countries. The Bangalore event held as a precursor to the IETs Lord Austin Lecture discussed new trends, latest advancements and implications of technologies in the aerospace sector.
David Lindley, Chairman of the IET's Aerospace Technical Professional Network, who presented at the conference, said aerospace engineering is a critical aspect of the "Make In India"' initiative which has opened a plethora of opportunities for engineers in India. Robust supply chain should emerge from “Make in India”. David indicated that the IET are well placed to help in skills development, preparing better syllabuses for universities, technology transfer, exchange programmes and catering to future manpower demands.
The TPN had a number of objectives with regards to this event i.e. to promote the TPN and its objectives to Indian Aerospace professionals, to explore further areas of collaboration with the IET’s Indian Office and Networks, to explore the potential for further aerospace activities out in India and to source new volunteers for the Executive Team and Technical Advisory Panel.
The 2015 IET Lord Austin Lecture on ‘Building a civilian plane; trends, challenges and lessons for India followed on from the conference and attendees were given an inspiring talk by aerospace digitisation expert Dr Pablo Bermell-Gracia, Research Team Leader from Airbus Group Innovations.
For further information on the conference and Lord Austin Lecture and to view the presentations please click here.