Industry council backs creation of utilities blueprint

Technology and innovation leaders from the utilities sector have given input into the first iteration of a new “utilities blueprint” document which will support business model transformation and strategic technology adoption.

The “utilities blueprint” will be among the outputs of a recently formed Technology and Innovation Council, spearheaded by Utility Week and global technology and consulting company Wipro.

Designed to help improve approaches to innovation in the utilities sector and to accelerate the commercial application of new technologies, the council consists of chief information and technology officers as well as heads of innovation across the water and energy sectors.

At a recent council meeting, held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre near Coventry, council members began the process of defining the first iteration of the utilities blueprint. They identified the characteristics, management structures, services, technologies and partners which will define their companies and their industry segments in 10 years’ time.

These inputs will be collated and published alongside further research into the status of innovation in UK utilities in January 2016.

The utilities blueprint is one of a range of outputs planned from the Technology and Innovation Council which aims to engage industry leaders for the long term.

Explaining the need for the council Arun Krishnamurthi, global head for utilities at Wipro said: “We see the utilities sector grappling with a number of challenges, including increased regulatory complexity, intensifying competition and the challenges associated with aging infrastructure and new technology.

“We believe this Technology & Innovation council will help build a coherent and robust ecosystem of regulators, advisors, analysts and technology partners and is a concrete step towards resolving these challenges. We are excited by the initial response to the council and look forward to working together and creating  value for the members and the utilities ecosystem.”

Amanda Barnes, chief executive of Faversham House, Utility Week’s publisher added: “It is a pleasure to partner with Wipro on this initiative which seeks to support better approaches to innovation and technology adoption in the utilities sector during this time of rapid change.

“Our long term commitment to supporting this council – alongside our magazine, digital content and events such as Utility Week Live – should help those responsible for technology and innovation in the sector share best practice, gain insight into the approaches of other sectors and develop their strategies with greater clarity and purpose.”