With the lack of people, technology is the way to fill the productivity gap – including through the use of Cobots. • Using the latest gases, the latest technologies and the best insulation, could help significant energy costs. • The use of technologies such as virtual technical manager and robots can support food safety and traceability more effectively. • Installing sensors on machines in factories can give management teams real time data to manage those assets and improve their efficiencies. • NIMS can support businesses to find funding and link state-of-the-art technology that's affordable into making real world solutions to make jobs easier and businesses more profitable. 3 Dr Jon Wilkin, Senior Lecturer in New Product Development, Abertay University Transform Net Zero Project (JW) The key points from JW’s presentation included: • Abertay University received funding from the Scottish Government and the European Union’s Regional Development Fund and Scottish Enterprise for their Transform Net Zero Programme. • The aim is to stimulate innovation within SME food and drink businesses. • The project is looking at supply chain and customer demand, market opportunities towards net zero and long-term transformation in the food and drink industry to help manufacturers to be both green and economically sustainable in the future. • Projects have used the known science of the moment to help SMEs see what they can do on their own and also provide extra support as needed.