The RIA Technical & Innovation function works to ensure the industry's voice is heard on a number on technical and safety issues, and that RIA members are able to navigate the sector to ensure innovations get into the market.
We assist with the development of technical strategies, standards development, promoting innovation and sustainability and helping RIA members with product acceptance and staying up to date with the latest research and legislation. We do this in both a UK and international level, particularly promoting the interests of the UK railway supply industry in the European arena.
M.A.D.E in Britain
RIA's Technical and Innovation work has recently focused on the theme of 'M.A.D.E in Britain', where M.A.D.E stands for Materials, Automation, Data and Energy - the key areas where UK rail could develop a competitive advantage through innovation.
Watch RIA's M.A.D.E in Britain video to see some of the exciting examples of advancements taking place across the country by RIA members:
Innovation Community
RIA is recognised for its industry leadership on innovation and actively promotes innovation among member companies. We provide two main forums for open discussion and sharing – Unlocking Innovation and RIC.
Unlocking innovation is a series of one-day events featuring the important topics, such as Materials, Automation, Data and Energy with new programmes planned in leading areas. We partner with inspiring venues to deliver events which move the dial. We also feature popular Elevator Pitch sessions where Tier1s and SMEs can present their innovative ideas on an equal platform.
RIC – the RIA Innovation Conference – is an annual two-day event which brings together everyone working in innovation throughout the Rail industry. It includes a conference, workshops, an exhibition and is the leading forum for discussion in the industry.
RIA Innovation Community hosts both of those forums and is accessible to everyone – members and non-members. Here you can find the updates and download presentations from past events.
To access the Innovation Community, click here. You will be asked to login to your account, if you do not have an account, please create one, it is simple and easy to do! If you have forgotten your password, just use the “Forgot Password?” link to restore it.
Network Rail R&D
There are a number of opportunities available for companies looking to get new ideas and innovation into the rail sector.
Find out more here