10 Apr Andrew Lynch Champions Innovation at EFFRA General Assembly
IMR’s Chief Network Innovation Officer, Andrew Lynch, actively participated in the pivotal 15th anniversary of the European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) General Assembly in Brussels last month. This annual event brought together the brightest minds in the manufacturing sector to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in research and innovation, demonstrating EFFRA’s commitment to driving forward innovative manufacturing technologies in the EU.
On the first day of the assembly, Andrew engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion led by EFFRA Executive Director, Željko P. Pazin. The discussion, which featured distinguished panelists including Olaf Pannenbäcker from Continental Automotive Group, Juliane Heß of Bosch Rexroth, and Herman Derache from Sirris, centred on the evolving needs of manufacturing companies in terms of research, development, and innovation. Andrew and his peers shared vital insights on propelling innovation within the manufacturing industry, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address current and future challenges.
The momentum continued into the Day 2, with Andrew taking on a leadership role by chairing a working group session focused on productive and flexible manufacturing. The session began with enlightening introductions from representatives of FILL Gesellschaft m.b.H. and the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation (LMS) at the University of Patras. These presentations set the stage for an in-depth discussion on strategies to enhance manufacturing efficiency and adaptability, critical factors in maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the global manufacturing landscape.
The EFFRA General Assembly serves as a vital platform for industry leaders like Andrew to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and outline strategies that will shape the future of manufacturing in Europe. His active participation underscores IMR’s dedication to being at the forefront of innovation and contributing to the advancement of the manufacturing sector.