London, September 24, 2025
Innovation is often framed as something shiny and new, the latest buzzword to capture attention. But in rail, it has always been part of the story. From the earliest days, the railway determined how people and goods moved, fuelled economies and redefined what was possible. Here, Richard Carr, technical and innovation director at Railway Industry Association (RIA), one of Advanced Engineering’s partners, warns that the UK risks falling behind because a culture resistant to change is holding back the innovation the network needs.
Before the railway, journeys were long, dangerous and costly. Then came the “iron horse,” bringing real mobility. Cities grew, freight moved at scale and London’s pioneering underground network transformed daily life.
From the Industrial Revolution to today, the UK railway’s success has been closely linked by one constant, and that’s innovation. Yet despite this proud legacy, rail’s potential today is being held back.
What’s stifling rail’s next wave of innovation?
While pockets of best practice exist, railway innovation remains underfunded and under supported. Even small improvements face long and complex paths to adoption. Radical innovation, the kind that could truly transform the network, is almost entirely blocked.
Without an environment that supports innovation, private investment stalls, fresh talent looks elsewhere and the industry misses the chance to build a future-ready railway that communities, the economy and the climate demand.
RIA has looked at this problem from every angle. Through surveys of members, case studies across industries and research into cultural, commercial and regulatory barriers, it has built a picture of what’s stopping innovation and how removing those barriers could help decarbonise faster, attract private funding, export UK-built technology and deliver truly transformative change.
What rail needs now
It’s not all doom and gloom. Across the sector, initiatives are already showing what can be achieved. RIA’s Unlocking Innovation programme, delivered with Network Rail, UKRRIN (UK Rail Research & Innovation Network), Telent and others, connects people with ideas to the opportunities, resources and platforms needed to make them a reality. By building bridges across the sector, it creates a culture where fresh thinking doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
So, what does it take to create a thriving environment for rail innovation? RIA points to six priorities. First, government investment in research, development and innovation must increase. Supporting new ideas not only improves customer experience but also drives efficiencies that save taxpayers money.
Next, attention must be given to the rollout phase. Moving an innovation from concept to everyday use requires resources, long-term commitment and buy-in from all levels of industry and government. Alongside this, a cross-industry effort is needed to remove barriers to adoption. Policy, procurement rules, cultural habits or structural issues can all block promising innovations from reaching the market. Collaboration is essential.
RIA also highlights the need to back radical innovation. Not every idea will succeed, but bold, challenging concepts can deliver transformative breakthroughs when they do. To make that happen, the railway needs a whole-system perspective. Innovation shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be treated as a core business function. GBRX, for example, looks to be and should act as the guiding mind for the national network, putting system-wide thinking at the heart of every innovation strategy, whilst taking the best of existing innovation roadmaps and activity such as the Rail Technical Strategy, Network Rail Technical Authority and the work of academia in UKRRIN and beyond.
Finally, none of this works without people. Skills development and fostering a culture of innovation are critical. Supporting individuals with training, embedding innovation into day-to-day objectives and encouraging continuous improvement will help the railway attract and retain a highly skilled workforce ready to turn ideas into reality.
A pivotal moment
The opportunity is huge. The transition to Net Zero, changing travel patterns, and the creation of Great British Railways all signal a sector in flux and ripe for reinvention.
Rail already contributes £43 billion to the UK economy, supports more than 700,000 jobs and returns £2.50 for every £1 invested. With the right focus on innovation, those returns could be even greater.
Government will play a pivotal role. Funding matters, but so do policy, procurement and leadership that actively reward fresh thinking. The supply chain is ready, the ambition is there and the blueprint for action exists.
If the UK wants to lead the world in transport innovation, now is the time to act. Investing in ideas, skills and collaboration will deliver a railway that is resilient and sustainable.
Innovation is not just part of rail’s past, it is the key to its future. This is where events, like Advanced Engineering, come in. As the UK’s annual gathering of manufacturing and engineering professionals, it offers rail the chance to look beyond its own sector and collaborate.
Advanced Engineering brings aerospace, automotive, energy and many other sectors under one roof. It’s a place where rail professionals can explore new ideas, discover emerging technologies and connect with people who could hold the solution to their next big challenge.
Free visitor registration is now live for Advanced Engineering UK, taking place on October 29 and 30, 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. Early registrants will receive exclusive updates on speakers, exhibitors and feature areas. Register today via the website here.
On October 29 and 30, 2025, over 9000 engineering and manufacturing professionals gathered to the NEC, Birmingham, to attend the 16th edition of Advanced Engineering, the UK’s annual gathering for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Across the two days, visitors witnessed the very latest that the industry had to offer, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing their innovations.
The United Kingdom stands as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and engineering – a nation where innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability converge to drive progress. From automation and advanced materials to connected supply chains and the transition to net zero, the UK continues to pioneer cutting-edge advancements that reinforce its position as a hub for high-value manufacturing.
Rhino Workplace Innovation are delighted to be an exhibitor at the forthcoming Advanced Engineering event at the NEC from October 29th to 30th. This important show is a showcase for a wide range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, composites, construction, defence & security, energy, marine, medical, rail, space, sports & leisure.
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