NRIS Project Achievements and Future Prospects in SafetyTech Innovation for the Construction Industry
08/10/2024As we conclude the discovery phase of the NRIS (Network for Regulatory Innovation in Safetytech) initiative – born from a collaboration between Safetytech Accelerator and Discovering Safety, a programme led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – we reflect on the progress made in assessing the viability and necessity of this network within the construction and heavy civil sectors. This phase, funded by Innovate UK and running from March to August 2024, was focused on exploring whether there is a market appetite for such a network, understanding the key needs of the industry, and determining the best approaches to support regulatory innovation.
Project Overview and Objectives
The NRIS project was designed to accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technology into industrial environments by aligning industry needs with technological solutions, and by addressing regulatory challenges that often hinder innovation. The core objective was to establish whether there was market appetite for such a network, and to determine the best strategies for fostering collaboration between stakeholders in industry, technology, and regulation.
Key Achievements
1. Market Engagement and Ecosystem Consultation:
- We conducted an extensive consultation across the ecosystem, which included one-on-one interviews, a well-attended online workshop on July 11th, and a comprehensive survey distributed to 100 stakeholders in the construction and heavy civil sectors.
- The engagement confirmed a strong desire within the market for a network dedicated to regulatory innovation. The nascent ecosystem showed enthusiastic support for a collaborative arena where these discussions could take place.
2. Successful Workshop and Stakeholder Feedback:
- The online workshop attracted over 24 participants, including representatives from large companies, tech firms, academic institutions, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Discussions during the workshop underscored several critical challenges to tech adoption, such as outdated regulatory guidelines and a lack of clear incentives for innovation.
- Participants expressed a clear need for the regulator to shift from a purely enforcement role to one that facilitates and enables innovation. This includes setting flexible standards, promoting industry collaboration, and supporting early-stage technology deployment despite inherent risks.
3. Community Support and Market Appetite:
- We were overwhelmed by the community’s support, with 20 letters of endorsement for the establishment of the NRIS network. These letters highlighted the collective commitment to overcoming regulatory barriers and advancing safety technologies.
- Building on this momentum, it is clear there is a strong appetite for a fully fleshed network which requires a vision, objectives, governance structure, and communication strategy. Safetytech Accelerator is well placed to help shape and lead its implementation.
Key Insights from the Workshop
The workshop provided valuable insights into the specific barriers to technology adoption. For instance, one major challenge identified was the reluctance to change, driven by perceived risks and a lack of incentives. Additionally, outdated procurement processes and regulatory resistance were highlighted as significant obstacles. Participants also emphasised the need for the network to focus on creating innovation-friendly standards, promoting knowledge transfer between industry and tech companies, and fostering partnerships for research and development. These efforts are seen as essential for driving widespread adoption of new technologies, particularly among smaller businesses that often struggle to innovate due to limited resources.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this phase of the NRIS project, we are optimistic about the future of regulatory innovation in the construction and heavy civil sectors. The strong foundation laid by this project, coupled with the overwhelming support from stakeholders, position us well to make a lasting impact on the industry. We look forward to continuing our work in advancing safety technology through regulatory innovation.
“Our organisation is a city within a city; over 76k people make sure over 80 million people get to their destination safe and well. Within that complex environment we’re delivering over £4bn of Infrastructure changes, so we’re keen to be involved in a network such as NRIS to help reduce the regulatory barriers, accelerate innovation and deliver our assets safely and efficiently”. Rohail Latif , Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Solutions – Infrastructure at Heathrow Airport Limited.
“ Navatech Group is incredibly proud and excited to be part of the NRIS initiative. This project aligns with our vision of driving innovation in SafetyTech, and we are grateful to have played a role in shaping its future. As we move forward, we are eager to continue collaborating with industry leaders and regulators to transform the way safety technology is implemented in construction and heavy civil sectors. The strong market appetite and community support are clear indicators that the future of regulatory innovation is bright, and we are thrilled to contribute to its launch.” – Prakash Senghani, CEO and Co-founder, at Navatech.
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