GTMA CEO, Julia Moore, said, “In order to survive in today’s competitive environment it is essential that engineering companies keep informed of the latest trends and opportunities. As OEMs divest themselves of all but their core competences, they pass their technical and development requirements down the supply chain. However, these SMEs are often so keenly focused on their day-to-day operations that scanning the horizon for technological developments is a low priority. This is where Universities, Research Centres and Trade Associations can help by providing opportunities for SMEs to become aware of, and involved in, new product and process technologies, new markets and new techniques, new standards and regulations.”