Encouraging Innovation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and ITN Productions launch new co-production ‘Encouraging Innovation’

The world is dependent on mechanical engineering. Every day, experts in the field are developing, exploring and proposing new solutions to help overcome some of the biggest global challenges. IMechE has partnered with ITN Productions to make a new programme Encouraging Innovation, exploring the new trends within the industry, the technology that is constantly evolving and how the industry itself is encouraging innovation.

Anchored by ITN Productions presenter Sharon Thomas from the ITN Productions London studio, Encouraging Innovation hears from experts within the sector and features informative interviews, news items and sponsored editorial profiles from leading organisations filmed in studio and remotely on location. Chief Executive of IMechE Dr Alice Bunn joins Sharon Thomas to discuss the importance of innovation, how the sector is helping address climate change, what IMechE is doing to support its members and the career opportunities for the next generation.

Across issues such as the green economy and better integrated healthcare, engineering is leading the industrial drive. In a film co-produced with IMechE and ITN Productions, Jelena Gacesa, Head of Education Outreach, IMechE, explains how the Institution is investing in the next generation of engineers via its STEM Ambassador scheme.

UK manufacturing is forever evolving, with sustainability and the net zero agenda being key drivers. In the programme, a report filmed at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry shows how the centre is designing, testing and developing some of the most exciting future technology in manufacturing and how they are helping the UK work towards decarbonising flight.

The growing trend for sustainably produced drinks such as spirits and beers is driving a wave of innovation in the drinks industry. Reporter Julie MacDonald interviews John Hancock, CEng, FIChemE, Group Technical Consultant and George Crombie, CEng, FIChemE, Engineering Director at Briggs of Burton to understand how the industry is working towards a sustainable future with mechanical engineers at the heart of their business.

The technology from Carnot is helping the most challenging industries to decarbonise by developing highly efficient ceramic combustion engines. CEO Archie Watts-Farmer explains Carnot’s intentions for Carnot’s compelling technology to align their product with the needs of the most emissions heavy industrial sectors such as trucks, ships and energy.

Dr Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of IMechE said: “Engineering has so much to contribute to the challenges facing society and I do believe that most people like to work on something that makes a difference. Our programme with ITN highlights the fantastic, innovative work that engineers do in so many areas and the importance of inspiring the next generation to choose engineering as a career.”

Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Productions Industry News said: “We are delighted to be working with IMechE to make a programme that raises awareness of the need to strengthen our actions globally to find solutions to tackle climate change and achieve net zero. The programme demonstrates the incredible innovations and solution by leading organisations driving significant change and provides a platform to shine a spotlight on significant contribution to societal and global advancements.”