Industrial automation innovation
Industrial automation is entering a period of rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, robotics, sustainability goals, and increasingly complex regulatory frameworks
As these shifts reshape manufacturing and engineering environments, skills development has become a critical factor determining whether organisations remain competitive or fall behind. According to Nikesh Mistry, sector head of industrial automation at GAMBICA, the ability of engineers and companies to continually update their capabilities will define the next phase of industrial innovation.
GAMBICA, a UK trade association representing multiple technology sectors including industrial automation, process instrumentation, laboratory technology, and test and measurement, positions knowledge development as one of its central priorities. As Mistry explains, “our three main pillars that we function by are knowledge, influence and community.” The organisation supports its member companies through best-practice guidance, industry coordination, and engagement with universities to address emerging technical and workforce needs.
The urgency of skills development is reinforced by changing industry priorities. Mistry notes that “49% of members said that they were focusing on new product development, and 65% in the next five years prioritise digital tech.” These trends highlight the increasing importance of digital engineering capabilities, from embedded systems and automation software to data-driven manufacturing.
THE NEED TO UPSKILL
Technological change has historically transformed the nature of work, and the automation sector is no exception. Engineers who adapt by developing new competencies – such as software integration, data analysis, cybersecurity awareness, and advanced automation design – can transition alongside technological change. Those who do not risk becoming disconnected from the evolving needs of the industry.
LESSONS FROM INDUSTRY DISRUPTION
Several well-known corporate examples illustrate the consequences of failing to adapt skills and strategies. Companies that were once market leaders lost relevance because they did not recognise or respond to technological shifts. As Mistry states, “BlackBerry failed to see the shift from keyboards to smartphones and touch screens.” Similarly, Blockbuster underestimated the impact of digital distribution platforms, demonstrating how established firms can be disrupted when innovation outpaces organisational learning.
By contrast, companies that prioritise ongoing development can reposition themselves successfully. Mistry highlights Apple’s transition from its early focus on music players to the broader ecosystem surrounding smartphones and connected devices, showing how reinvention often depends on the ability to integrate new technologies and skills into existing engineering frameworks.
INNOVATION AS CULTURE
A recurring theme in the automation sector is the need to treat innovation as a continuous organisational capability rather than a discrete initiative. Mistry explains that companies that fall behind often make the mistake of “seeing innovation as a project, not as a culture.” In contrast, successful organisations invest in new technologies while simultaneously developing the skills needed to deploy and support them.
This shift also requires engineers to understand the broader systems surrounding modern automation platforms. Increasingly, innovation involves building ecosystems rather than standalone products, integrating hardware, software, cloud platforms, and data analytics into cohesive solutions.
COMPLIANCE AS A SKILLS CHALLENGE
Another emerging area of expertise is regulatory compliance. Rapidly evolving standards around cybersecurity, sustainability, and product lifecycle transparency are adding new technical requirements for manufacturers.
Mistry emphasises that engineers must develop knowledge in these areas alongside core engineering skills. “Compliance isn’t something that is easy to understand or easy to break down,” he explains, but it is essential for maintaining competitiveness. New regulations such as cybersecurity requirements for connected equipment and digital product passports will require manufacturers to develop capabilities in areas such as vulnerability management, lifecycle data tracking, and secure product design.
Ultimately, the transformation of industrial automation highlights the importance of continuous professional development. As manufacturing systems become more connected and intelligent, engineers must expand their competencies beyond traditional mechanical and electrical domains to include digital technologies, cybersecurity, and sustainability considerations.
Organisations such as GAMBICA play a critical role in facilitating this transition by sharing knowledge, supporting industry collaboration, and helping companies navigate complex technological and regulatory changes.
