The brand-new Somerset Digital Innovation Centre in Taunton was the apt setting for SWIP’s debut conference on Wednesday 22 November 2023, attended by 100 individuals representing diverse facets of the South West’s infrastructure community.
The event, sponsored by WSP, provided a platform for regional professionals and stakeholders to delve into SWIP’s South West Vision 2050 report and collectively explore a course towards a sustainable and decarbonised future for the region.
Key conference aims
At the heart of the conference were five key objectives, designed to engage participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences:
- Engage with the South West Vision 2050 and contribute new perspectives and insights.
- Explore case studies and share examples to foster an environment where stakeholders can learn from one another.
- Connect with people from different sectors, age groups, and parts of the region to break down silos.
- Seek new opportunities for collaboration and develop partnerships for change.
- Help shape SWIP and its future projects and objectives
Thought-provoking agenda
The conference agenda offered a rich mix of speakers and topics, including an overview of the Vision’s development, aims and conclusions and the story behind the Beyond Brunel podcast. Additionally, the event delved into the progress on infrastructure decarbonisation within the region as part of the ADEPT Live Labs 2 project.
Case studies from various infrastructure sectors were presented, offering an insight into ongoing initiatives. Notably, a vibrant panel of young infrastructure professionals shared their perspectives on the South West Vision and the industry’s trajectory toward a net zero future.
Debate on key issues
There was a lively panel discussion and audience Q&A about delivering the Vision for the South West, chaired by Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment & Transport.
The panellists were Professor Colin Taylor, Emeritus Professor of the University of Bristol, SWIP academic sector representative and ICE Policy Fellow; Tim Danson, Director of Sustainability & Energy, Pick Everard; Zoe Banks Gross, Head of Partnerships and Public Affairs, Sustrans; and Kate Doodson, Joint Chief Executive of Cosmic and SWIP digital sector representative.
Concerns over rural connectivity
A major concern raised during the Q&A session revolved around rural mobility. The question of allocating funding to rural areas, not just urban centres, was highlighted. Andrea Davis emphasised the need for accountability in decision-making, especially in rural communities facing transport challenges. She advocated for the development of rural mobility hubs.
Zoe Banks Gross acknowledged the complexity of rural transport issues, noting that cycling might not be a viable option for people living in remote locations. However, she drew attention to successful models in countries like Germany, where strategic investment has enabled wider cycle travel in rural areas.
Digital connectivity emerged as a key enabler for overcoming transport barriers in rural communities, according to Kate Doodson. However, she drew attention to the uneven rollout of high-speed broadband and stressed the importance of consistent connectivity to empower rural areas.
How do we engage the public?
The discussion also delved into engaging the public in infrastructure projects. Colin Taylor emphasised the need for behaviour change and education among decision-makers to co-produce projects with citizens effectively. Zoe Banks Gross echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of co-design and early community engagement for human-centric projects.
Tim Danson suggested drawing inspiration from the USA, where a forward-looking approach incorporates demographic data, climate information, and scarcity forecasts to understand future community needs.
Concluding remarks
In concluding the conference, Paula Hewitt, SWIP Chair, expressed her enthusiasm for the connections and opportunities that emerged, propelling the region further along its journey to achieve net zero. She emphasised the pivotal role of cross-sector collaboration in tackling challenges, highlighting the value of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions. A standout moment for her was engaging with the insights of young professionals at the outset of their infrastructure careers.
What happens next?
Looking ahead, Paula expressed her commitment to sustaining the dialogue as SWIP continues its vital work on decarbonisation and climate adaptation. The valuable feedback and evidence from the conference will go on to inform and shape SWIP’s activities in 2024.
For those eager to contribute to the ongoing discourse and collaborative efforts, Paula extended an invitation to sign up as a SWIP contributor.
SWIP’s inclusive approach seeks to unite voices and expertise, fostering the development of an effective, future-facing infrastructure system for the region.
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