On November 11, 2024, INSME, participated at the World Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics (WAM) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, exploring the dynamic transformations reshaping global manufacturing. The summit gathered a distinguished group of industry leaders, innovators, and experts, offering a unique platform for high-level discussions on the future of manufacturing and logistics, and global collaboration.
During the debate, Prof. Giovanni Zazzerini pointed out the profound disruptions and transformations the manufacturing landscape is undergoing driven by technological advancements and digitalization. Artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of Things, 3D printing, and augmented reality empower businesses with greater productivity, efficiency, and customization, ultimately reducing time-to-market and improving competitiveness of companies, especially SMEs who play a vital role in advanced manufacturing. Accordingly, by providing specialized production and forging strong relationships with clients, which position them as the building blocks of the manufacturing value chain. However, their full potential is constrained by both internal factors such as management and digital skill gaps and external factors like access to finance and lack of supportive business ecosystems. To unlock their potential, investment in digital transformation programs, and enhanced R&D collaboration between SMEs, startups, and universities are needed as Japan’s Society 5.0 and France’s 2030 Investment Plan.
Lastly, the summit also provided an invaluable platform for dialogue with representatives of MONSHAAT, Saudi Arabia’s SME authority. These discussions laid the groundwork for renewed collaboration, strengthening INSME’s mission to foster global partnerships and enable SMEs to navigate the disruptions and opportunities of advanced manufacturing.
Source: INSME Secretariat
