13/3/2009
A workshop was held to
celebrate the launch of the Aston Centre for Critical Infrastructure
and Services on Thursday 12th March at the Aston Business School. A
broad range of delegates and keynote speakers attended to examine how
policymaking impacts infrastructure industries, in particular in the
rail, energy, telecoms and water sectors.
Hosted by Professor Paula Jarzabkowski and Dr Jane Matthiesen, the
workshop sought to explore opportunities for cross-industry learning
and identify where similar concerns exist in terms of infrastructure
development and policy.
Keynote speaker, Paul Golby, Chief Executive of e.on UK,
Pro-Chancellor of Aston University and Chair of the University Council,
was keen to stress just how important it is to convert policy and
aspirational targets into effective action. “The decisions we make now
in regard to critical infrastructure services will have an impact 50
years down the line. This is our window of opportunity to get it right
for future generations.”
Tony Collins, Virgin Trains CEO, spoke about the role industry plays
in formulating policy. “What is needed is a long-term strategic
overview of infrastructure development, but this can be difficult to
achieve without continuity from the policymaking body.”
The Centre will act as a key forum for the exchange of information
and best practice between leading academics, industry leaders and
policymakers through encouraging networking to help inform research
formulation and process.
Paula Jarzabkowski said, “At ACCIS we aim to do collaborative
research that really addresses the critical issues in infrastructure
policy and development. This workshop has been excellent for bringing
together key industry, government and regulatory stakeholders in order
to define the important topics going forward.”
To learn more about ACCIS please contact our industry liaison Dr
Jane Matthiesen: email: j.k.matthiesen@aston.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)121 204
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