While advanced technologies and the urgent need for sustainability practices are reshaping the manufacturing industry, it is crucial to recognise that talent is a driving force behind this transformation. A more diverse workforce leads to greater innovation, offering fresh perspectives and creative solutions to complex challenges.

It is proven that diverse teams are six times more likely to be more innovative and agile, eight times as likely to achieve better business results and twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets than organisations with less diversity in the workplace, according to Deloitte. However, the industry still struggles with diversity and inclusion, which limits our potential.

To address the pressing challenges that hinder progress in the manufacturing sector, EIT Manufacturing hosted a RIS Hubs Conference 2024. The discussions focused on the specific needs of the region under the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), envisioning inclusion and diversity as a foundation for the future of manufacturing.

The present of work – shifting the focus to current challenges

The EU estimates that only half of 87 million persons with disabilities are employed. This is followed by inequitable access to education, with only 30% of people having a university degree, as reported by the European Employment Services (EURES). Dr Verónica Rodriguez Garcia, RIS Strategy and Impact Manager at EIT Manufacturing, stressed the importance of providing equal access to opportunities and support to underrepresented groups and regions.

To make the manufacturing industry in emerging markets more inclusive, EIT Manufacturing launched the RIS Inclusiveness programme. It focuses on enhancing the sector for people with disabilities in RIS countries. The programme supported five companies using the latest technologies to reshape the workplace.

NEXUS provides counselling and assessment services for exoskeletons to assist operators with mild physical disabilities in industrial settings. PHIX offers a digital solution for assessing and managing psychosocial risks in the workplace, prioritising inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Optiplant4All uses an inclusive, AI-driven approach to enhance accessibility in manufacturing with intelligent personal assistants and adaptive interfaces.

SpeakAR translates spoken language into sign language in real time using augmented reality (AR) and uses AI to help deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals communicate in manufacturing settings. Thinkin has developed the Voice Asset Locator (VAL) for easy access to spatial information through a voice search interface in manufacturing and warehousing facilities.

“Inclusivity is not just a moral concept”

Dilyana Pencheva, Assistant Projects at Cleantech Bulgaria, highlighted that inclusivity ensures individuals can adapt to emerging trends and technologies. Cleantech Bulgaria is a business network focused on clean technologies. The company has been actively promoting inclusivity in the manufacturing industry through a range of impactful initiatives.

One of them includes the ENTREPRENEDU Horizon Europe project. To ensure rising entrepreneurs have equal access to resources and education, regardless of geographic or social barriers, the project developed a structured, three-phase training process. It includes hackathons, online mentoring sessions and a Venture Building Programme. Covering Bulgaria, Greece and Italy, the training project fosters growth and market expansion.

Tailored initiatives empower women to lead and disrupt the manufacturing industry

To embrace inclusivity and diversity also requires eliminating biases in the perception of gender roles in the industry. As just 25% of women hold management positions, reported by S&P Global, there is a need for tailored programmes to break the cycle. STRADA 2 is another project in which Cleantech Bulgaria is actively involved. The project empowers women to take on leadership roles through lectures, workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities.

During the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference 2024, the fourth edition of the RIS LEADERS Competition celebrated the achievements of women innovators making a significant impact on the manufacturing industry and society in RIS countries. Selen Şenal, PhD C., Founder and CEO at BioFlocean by Algbio, took the first place in the competition, followed by Julia Wilk, neenCare CEO, and sharing the third place Mariia Alipatova, CEO and Co-founder of Solar Optic, and Šarlota Kaňuková, PhD, Co-founder and Scientist at Spicy Cells, secured the top three positions of this year’s edition and were awarded a monetary prize of EUR 10,000, EUR 7,500 and EUR 5,000. To date, over 120 women from EIT RIS countries have participated in this programme.

Selen Şenal highlighted the competition as an invaluable platform that provides much-needed visibility, funding and access to a network of like-minded innovators and industry experts. The programme entails valuable mentorship and support that helps refine a company’s business model and accelerate growth.

The need to lay the foundation for the future of work already today

An inclusive manufacturing sector contributes significantly to the economy, innovation and society by expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups while providing space to upskill the existing workforce. Innovation is already in the hands of the talent. Now it comes down to empowering the innovators and entrepreneurs with tailored entrepreneurial and education programmes.

The series is based on the discussions during the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference 2024 in Budapest. The first part of the series highlighted how AI is reshaping the manufacturing industry in emerging markets. While inclusivity and diversity are interconnected with all aspects of empowering talent in the industry, the final short news series will explore the need to revamp education to meet the demand for new skills in the manufacturing industry.