In its December 2014 Ones To Watch report, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) highlighted six areas that, 'offer significant promise to the UK and its economy'. These were, new power networks, space, cyber security, additive manufacturing, food security and robotics.
I think it is fair to say that the opportunity is just as strong across Europe. But the question is, six months on, how are these industries developing?
Positive results
So far, each one has seen positive results. Research and funding into all of these industries is high, but there is a lack of new commercial output. The focus in the UK is more on developing new start up businesses within each industry - to further research vital areas of potential development rather than to compete immediately in each commercial market.
For instance, the UK is currently a European leader in smart grid research, which could pay off in the future as businesses position themselves as market experts. Meanwhile, in the US, the unveiling of Tesla Motors' PowerWall and the announcement of Bosch's DC Microgrid already this year show the global competition faced in new power networks. The UK is not currently a strong commercial competitor in this sector.
Hardware developments
In contrast, in cyber security, the industry hasn't yet seen any really major developments this year, but the UK remains a world leader. It's at the forefront of the industry with many firms partnering with US companies to deliver commercialised products. This is evident in the increasing UK presence at RSA conventions for instance, where exporting skills and services is helping the industry move forward.
That's not to say that the UK isn't producing any new physical technology. In the space industry, 2015 has seen the creation of the Mercury Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer (MIXS) - an instrument developed at the University of Leicester for the ESA's BepiColombo 2017 Mercury mission.
In the robotics industry, Plymouth-based Open Robotics has developed a prosthetic robotic hand using 3D printed materials and, in pureplay additive manufacturing, Renishaw Plc continues to prosper in the global market.
Of course, as the IET itself identified, the volume of engineers and technicians in each industry, as well as their skill-sets, limits the UK's industrial growth. This remains a challenge that the country must overcome if these six industries are to develop drastically and meet the needs of the future.
As it stands, there has been some development in each industry in the UK, but not yet enough to make a big impact on a global scale. The IET's Ones to Watch are steadily growing and developing, with increased interest in start ups, but none are, truly speaking, the finished article in the international stage.
However, they are all young industries and, if they stay on track, the UK's knowledge engineering base could allow it to become a serious global technology contender. It's a golden opportunity but it has to be seized.
