Turning innovation into industrial capability
Leaders and experts from across industry, science, the investment community and government highlight the importance of collaboration, standards and measurement in accelerating the journey from research to commercialisation.
3 minute read
Business, regulatory and research leaders gathered at NPL’s Industrial Innovation Summit (8 September) to explore how collaboration, standards and measurement can help accelerate the development and adoption of emerging technologies across sectors ranging from energy and quantum to AI and maritime innovation.
In his keynote address, Lord Willetts highlighted the importance of linking measurement science with standards development, warning that a lack of alignment can hinder innovation and create barriers to international trade.
Dame Wendy Hall reflected on the UK’s long history of research-driven innovation and outlined the opportunities and responsibilities created by rapid advances in AI, emphasising the importance of developing the standards and assurance needed to support trustworthy AI because “AI is going to influence every aspect of industrial innovation from now on”. 
Across the day, speakers emphasised the need for trusted standards, robust measurement and early collaboration between industry, regulators and researchers. Discussions covered topics including quantum security, clean energy technologies, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing, with panellists highlighting how regulation and standards can provide confidence for investment while supporting innovation.
Through one-to-one consultations, exhibitions, and a full programme of discussions covering regulation, business growth, product validation, and building and scaling high-growth ventures, the event demonstrated how NPL's metrology expertise helps organisations move innovation from research to commercialisation.
The summit concluded with a shared message that innovation succeeds most effectively when industry, regulators and researchers work together to ensure new technologies are not only groundbreaking, but also measurable, trusted and scalable.
09 Sep 2026
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