Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), the UK’s only dedicated trade association for the additive manufacturing sector, has launched its first-ever Annual Action Plan. The report highlights how UK additive manufacturers can escalate themselves from where they are currently to the forefront, globally, within the AM sector to maximize the potential from future market growth. The plan identifies the challenges faced, and the actions AMUK will take to address the challenges in the areas of skills, standards, and supply chain for the AM ecosystem in the UK.
The Annual Action Plan covers a range of topics, including the current market dynamics within the AM sector, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed in order to accelerate the adoption of AM technologies. The document also provides an overview of the current funding landscape – highlighting the opportunities available for businesses and researchers looking to develop new AM solutions.
One of the key themes of the plan is the need for increased collaboration between stakeholders. This includes closer collaboration between research institutions and industry partners, as well as greater engagement with government bodies and policymakers.
“At AMUK, our mission is to position the UK as a global frontrunner in the research, development, adoption, and application of technologies, all of which make up the additive manufacturing value chain. This objective emphasizes our commitment to fostering innovation, catalyzing economic growth, and enhancing the UK’s reputation as a pivotal hub for additive manufacturing technology advancements and applications,” said Josh Dugdale, Head of Additive Manufacturing UK. “We recognize we have specific challenges that we have to overcome in the areas such as skills, standards, and supply chain. Through collaborative initiatives with industry partners, academic institutions, and governmental bodies, we believe these challenges can be addressed as well as providing leverage for the transformative potential of additive manufacturing technology, to create opportunities, bolster productivity, and effectively tackle diverse challenges spanning numerous sectors.”
The additive manufacturing sector is forecast to continue its rapid growth over the next decade. If the UK can maintain its current global position, it will capture around $3 billion of that market, according to AMUK. However, if the right environment can be created in the UK – where companies are actively encouraged to adopt, use, and develop AM technologies – the UK can capture more than $5 billion.
The report can be downloaded here.
