The RDM|RSC network is one of six networks funded by the EPSRC which performed research on redistributed manufacturing. Our focus was on the move to smaller-scale and local manufacturing for a particular city – Bristol – and its region. Bristol is an important port and transportation hub and is European Green Capital 2015. The region has strengths in high value manufacturing, aerospace, defence, silicon design and creative industries. The network is approaching distributed manufacturing from multiple perspectives:
- The resilience and sustainability of Bristol and its hinterland
- Engineering technology, skills and knowledge
- Social sciences (social capital)
- Physical infrastructure such as transport systems and energy supplies
- Business infrastructure, including markets and globalisation
- Geography and local resources
- Integration of local manufacturing with local, national and international supply chains
Mechanisms for collaborative research within the academic and wider communities are an important aspect of the work, and the work will have implications for business and manufacturing industry, infrastructure planning, and other cities.