Social Network for RSA Fellows

Manufactures

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Where have you gone, 'manufactures'? I know there are changes in the way the RSA positions itself through the new vision, but I really was interested when I joined in the manufactures side of the full title of the RSA. Anyone feel the same?

Website: http://www.newlanark.org/robertowen.shtml
Location: non-geographical
Members: 29
Latest Activity: Dec 13, 2012

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Manufactures...

I'm sure there will be some people who think it's not part of the RSA's future, maybe even society's future, but I really looked forward to finding out more about this far-away world - nursing and education it is not. There must be so much to learn from it and from the different types of Fellow I think that we miss out on that could contribute from there, but I see so little activity going on. Or maybe it's my perception that it's only a small proportion of the Fellowship are engaged there. In which case, how do I meet them?

This group might not take off, and if so, maybe that reflects how people feel about manufactures more generally. But if there are:

a) people interested
b) people who see it as important
c) people engaged in it

I'd be really interested in your thoughts here.

We'll be discussing it under The Glory of Failure's Organisation Theme too, so please join that group too.

Discussion Forum

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Started by Andrew Back Dec 13, 2011.

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Do we have any information on the state of Manufactures in the RSA:a) how many are engaged in that area?b) what are they actually doing?c) who they are and where they connect with each other?d) what…Continue

Started by Jonathan Jewell. Last reply by Hilda Varley Nov 17, 2011.

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Comment by Hilda Varley on December 11, 2011 at 17:40: Hello Julian

Thanks for that. I can see your problem, groups here arnd there. How many other initiatives on thios topic do you know about ?

Thanks

Hilda

Comment by Julian Thompson on December 9, 2011 at 12:34: Hi Hilda - good to see you on Weds eve and thanks for coming.

It was a meeting in the Gerard bar between me and three Fellows - Dapo Ladimeji, George Kessler, Paul Dimond and Jamie Borwick. The latter had recently convened over a hundred London Fellows interested in influencing national policy on manufacturing. They have been trying to launch an initiative to bring together the many organisations with a stake in the issue. They wanted to run a series of debates looking at the future global economic, social, technological and environmental context which will determine the future viability and success of UK manufacturing. But they were struggling to get it off the ground without financial resources. I was trying to see how we could join up with other Fellows (e.g. in this group and elsewhere) to develop a common agenda and programme of work, which we could then approach both the RSA itself, and external funders to support in the New Year.

It may not be possible (or advisable) to seek consensus in this way, but we can at least map out all the possible options and people can decide which projects or initiatives they want to be involved with.The other thing to note is that they, like many other Fellows I've come across, don't use this site, so there are more folks out there than meets the eye. I will try to encourage everyone to use this space as it's easier to communicate than via separate emails etc

Hope that helps.

Comment by Hilda Varley on December 9, 2011 at 12:25: Hello Julian

What was the meeting about this am ?

Thanks

Hilda

Comment by Julian Thompson on December 9, 2011 at 12:17: Will - don't worry at all. Dates and diaries at this time of year are always mayhem. We only had a couple of folks come along but we had a good discussion.

I was out of the office all day yesterday but this morning I met a group of London Fellows who have been leading a charge on manufacturing and are keen to mobilise others in the New Year. I've also been talking to Government about our involvement in a major initiative which will be announced next week by a Cabinet Minister. There are lots of promising threads.

I'm out again this pm but on Monday I'm going to post a summary of where we're at, and where we might go, so watch this space!

Comment by Will Sheward on December 8, 2011 at 18:03: Like a complete idiot, I got the date wrong. My sincere apologies for the no-show. I'm actually in the bar now, not a great advert for UK manfacturing, eh? :-)

So, what was decided? Should we expound on the subject here?

Comment by Julian Thompson on December 7, 2011 at 14:49: Suggested agenda/topics for discussion at tonight's get together (6pm, Gerard Bar - I'm the one in a beige jumper!). We may not get through them all but it's a worthwhile start I think.

1. Introductions and why we're interested in "manufactures"

2. What do we mean by manufacturing? Do we share a common understanding?

3. Why is it important, now and in the future?

4. What are the challenges and opportunities for manufacturing

5. What is the key question we should be trying to answer, or outcome achieved?

6. What initial thoughts do we have on how we might do so?

Comment by Becky John on December 6, 2011 at 9:33: Hi Hilda

Glad you've heard of us - please share the news as we are tiny and need love and help!

I found the group when I set up my online profile. I get up to the house once or twice a month but as we're based in Southampton and poor, I try to combine a few events/meetings with every train ticket,

Good to 'meet' you

Becky

Comment by Hilda Varley on December 5, 2011 at 17:06: Hello Becky

Great, I have heard of you business .How did you hear about the group ?

Best wishes

Hilda

Comment by Becky John on December 5, 2011 at 11:21: I'd love to join you as I'm a Fellow running a manufacturing social enterprise in the UK - we make fab pants from upcycled lingerie trade leftovers and create jobs for refugees. But I'm in Southampton and busy that night... If there's ever a lunchtime meeting I'd be very keen to meet.

Comment by Julian Thompson on December 5, 2011 at 10:33: Thanks Hilda - yes definitely on for the 7th. I'll post some ideas for agenda items today or tomorrow.

But we're currently looking a bit thin on the ground. Anyone else out there?

Thanks
J