Research & Innovation

Credited with being the originator of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0) and named by the Financial Times as one of the leading authorities on strategy and competitiveness, Henrik von Scheel (pictured above) will address the forthcoming 2020 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition being held on Wednesday, 29th, and Thursday, 30th of January at the Citywest Exhibition Centre in Dublin.

After setting a new record in terms of its scale and visitor numbers last year, the 2020 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition has been extended to a two-day event to meet growing demand. Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the 2020 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is the largest event of its kind in the country. It serves as a national forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Ireland, including the food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics sectors, to gather to discuss pressing issues facing Irish industry.

Industry 4.0 & The Digital Agenda

As one of the masterminds and driving forces behind Industry 4.0, Henrik von Scheel was an Advisory Group member for the Federal Ministry of Education & Research – an inter-ministerial innovation policy initiative tasked to define the high-tech strategy of Germany. The final ‘Industry 4.0’ report was announced in April 2013.

As part of the Advisory Council at the Federal Minister of Economy & Technology, Henrik von Scheel played a significant role in defining Germany’s future digital strategy in 2009. The ‘Digital Agenda’ was subsequently adopted by the European Commission in 2010 as part of the Europe 2020 strategy and evolved into the European Digital Revolution. The Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) is one of seven flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020 strategy. It focuses on modern technologies and online services that will allow Europe to create jobs and promote economic prosperity.

Described by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as: “One of the most pre-eminent strategic advisors of his generation,” Henrik von Scheel has helped shape Government policies and influenced the performance of the fastest growing global companies. Henrik von Scheel has worked with 11 of the G20 nations and with 23% of the Fortune 500.

Henrik von Scheel is scheduled to deliver an opening keynote address titled ‘Move beyond the 4.0 hype to deliver business value’ on the first day of the 2020 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition. He will later present a special VIP session on ‘The next generation of Operational Excellence for Smart Factories’. On the second day of the Event he is due to conduct a ‘Smart Connected Factory Masterclass’.

His presence at the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, which is now in its seventh year, is considered a major coup for organiser Premier Publishing & Events. The company has been staging a range of exhibitions and conferences in the UK and Ireland for many years. Forthcoming events during 2020 include:

* Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo – Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast – on 27th of February;

* National Construction Summit – Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown – on 24th March 2020;

* UK National Construction Expo – the Arena MK, Milton Keynes – on 6th May 2020;

* TechConnect Live – RDS, Dublin – on 28th May;

* UK Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition – the Arena MK, Milton Keynes – on 1st July;

* National Food & Drink Business Conference and Exhibition 2020 – Citywest Convention Centre, Dublin – on September 10th;

* Scotland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition – SEC Glasgow – on 15th October;

* UK TechConnect Live – Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes – 24th November;

* UK National Healthcare Expo – Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes – 26th November.