Connect, learn, be inspired!
Regular activities facilitate the sharing of experience and wisdom across the community while highly topical issues are addressed. Whether you are interested in disruptive tech, leading innovation processes, managing innovation teams, running an innovative organisation, or being an innovator, you will find much to interest and educate you, and you’ll become part of a special community of impressive peers.
We look forward to engaging with you!
Annual Gathering
The Innovators' Assembly
This event provides a unique opportunity for leaders and innovators across the high-tech manufacturing ecosystem to engage on the many systemic contexts in which they operate.
“It’s a conference, Jim, but not as we know it!”
The Assembly take a very different approach to traditional conferences – it’s carefully designed to ensure that a diverse mix of peers connect and co-create rich insights they can take back to their workplace. A gentle (and unique) process ensures full participation that is enjoyable and rewarding.
Manufacturers can send a representative from up to four distinct functions. This helps build shared understanding and adds more heft to good ideas brought back to the organisation.
Thursday 12th June 2025
8am registration; 8.30am start; 4.30pm end
Milton Hill House
with easy access from the M4 and A34
Space and Sustainability
Col “Foggy” Fogarty, Chief of Staff, UK Space Command
Hear about the opportunities of new frontiers, set against threats from nefarious actors, space weather and debris; the international state of play and the emerging role of UK Space Command in ensuring that space is safe, secure, and sustainable for future generations.
Seats are limited, so please get in touch if you would like to be part of this unique experience.
Special discount off purchases before 20th December 2024!
Sep – Jun Two Activity Streams
CIRCLES
What is a Senior Circle?
The Senior Circles are a rare confidential space for small groups of senior leaders and innovators to share personal challenges over the course of a day in a comfortable environment. Intelligent input and support is generously given by deeply experienced peers, and a seasoned facilitator.
Outcomes:
- clear mapping of the complex systemic issues put on the table
- creative and pragmatic options to address the issue
- clarity, confidence, tools, and commitment to resolve the issue brought
Participants can be transformation leaders, product developers or leaders of customer-facing teams.
Discounted coaching
Participants in any Circle are eligible for discounted coaching sessions to work through practical implementation of new ideas picked up on the day, and receive more personal insights from the facilitator.
What are the benefits?
Here are the words of some participants:
“The session had an engaging atmosphere that led to some really interesting dialogue between the delegates.
The agenda for the session was to discuss, as a group, an ongoing issue that we each were personally attempting to deal with in our organisations. This led to some insightful discussions around wider geo-political issues that are affecting us all right through to some specific actions that each of us could take back and apply.”
Research and Innovation Manager
“The Innovator’s circle is support we all would like from our own organisations but rarely experience. The ability to discuss pressing work-related issues with likeminded individuals from different corporate cultural influences in an open and “safe space” is both cathartic and enabling.
We often try to think of radical and innovative solutions to our problems when we are in the office – “brainstorming” our way out of the situation – when the real answer is much simpler and often hidden in plain sight. It takes a “friendly stranger” to point these things out sometimes.
The topic I chose was relevant and timely. The thoughts and actions developed in the Innovators Circle will guide my approach to resolving the situation.”
Innovation Manager
MATCHES
So what are Matches?
Mentors and Mentees are matched across the Innovation Network community. Each round has up to 8 sessions. An invaluable orientation session for each role is given at the outset to ensure both parties get the most from the experience.
Outcomes:
- Leaders develop skills that can put to valuable use in their own organisation.
- Mentees gain valuable insights enhancing their performance, and motivating them in their career path.
- Both gain a fascinating window into other organisations, helping them see beyond unconscious cultural biases.
- Wisdom is exchanged between generations and cultures.
What are the benefits?
Comments from Mentors:
“I think I got as much from it as my Mentee”
“I was surprised how quickly it felt ‘natural’ between myself and my Mentee – it drove the sessions and meant we were able to cover more ground.”
“We were able to cover a lot of detail in our sessions, the relationship was open quickly, which helped.”
“It’s good to know that many of the problems in other companies are similar to those we have experienced.”
Comments from Mentees:
“Different insights into common themes have given me new avenues to explore.”
“I valued the listening, focus and understanding.”
“I enjoyed the experience”
“The reassurance helped quench self-doubt. I learned where I was doing well, which instilled confidence. I now have a clearer path towards achieving my goals.”
“I feel more relaxed about not knowing and am more inclined to seek advice. The belief of unrealistic performance expectation is no longer there.”
“It helped me capitalise on my skills to excel and focus my ambitions; we defined areas to improve for career progression.”
“I appreciated the very open, insightful, and supportive discussions.”
Flexibility
Discounts
