Abstract
Subject: The Institute’s Future
Following last week’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), may I express a word of encouragement to the newly elected officers and committee members, and extend a word of appreciation to all those who have given their time in recent years in support of this small but important professional Institute. Although I am now long retired, I have been directly or indirectly involved in the Institute’s life for 40 years, and the evening left me reflecting on two particular issues which I think are as valid today as they were during my working years. So I am taking the liberty of sharing them with you, as I think they are crucial to the contribution that the Institute can make to the Nation’s wealth creation prospects.
First, the continuing importance of the very close linkage between the designers and manufacturers of measurement, automation and control equipment in industry generally, but particularly the continuous process industries; the users of the products; and the universities and technical colleges engaged in continuing research, and preparing the next generation of both products and engineers – the lads who are going to do the work! The Institute has thrived on this linkage, the Journal has wide respect internationally, long may it continue.
Second, in a broader sense, we need continually to remind society and the media, of the Institute’s place in the world of business, science and technology. The Institute provides the route for a member to become a Chartered Engineer, a prestigious professional career. The Institute has common close interests with the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (WCSIM), the livery company, and GAMBICA the trade association for the measurement, automation and control industries, and lesser interests, all of which have importance in their own right. The common interest is to be encouraged, but we must never forget that our prime interest is that of our members and the contribution that they make in national economic prosperity. Sometimes, the livery company or trade association may have a conflict of interest, which we must be careful to identify. This has always been the case, I mention it in order to minimise the risk of possible future conflict or friction.
The Institute and many of its Members are involved in global companies and projects. Modesty inhibits any claim that the InstMC punches far above its weight. During over half a century, in which time scientific and technical changes have been faster and more extensive than ever before, the Institute’s contribution to industry has been profound; let us be careful to stay in the vanguard of national science technology and engineering activity.
Yours sincerely,