Webinar: ACE Network Position Paper Launch
ACE Network Position Paper: A Strategic Capability for the UK’s Prosperity, Security and Sustainable Growth
Date: Thursday 16 April
Time: 13:30–14:30 (BST)
Location: Online webinar
Hosted by: ACE Network
Registration: Please complete the registration form to register for this event.
Joining details will be sent to registered participants in advance of the event.
Overview
As the UK accelerates its ambitions in artificial intelligence, clean power and advanced technologies, one foundational capability remains largely absent from national policy discussion: Automatic Control Engineering (ACE).
ACE enables complex systems to operate safely, autonomously and reliably at scale. It underpins AI assurance, stabilises energy networks, enables advanced manufacturing, and supports trusted autonomous and safety-critical technologies. Without strong control capability, many of the UK’s technology ambitions cannot be delivered securely or sustainably.
This webinar will bring together policymakers, researchers, funders and industry leaders to explore why Automatic Control Engineering should be recognised as a strategic national capability supporting productivity, resilience and sovereign technological capacity.
The event will also mark the launch of the ACE Network’s new position paper:
“Automatic Control Engineering: A Strategic Capability for the UK’s Prosperity, Security and Sustainable Growth.”
Why This Matters
The UK is internationally recognised for excellence in control engineering, optimisation and safe autonomy. However, as Government advances programmes including Invest 2035, the Science & Technology Framework, Clean Power 2030 and AI safety initiatives, there is growing need to treat ACE not as a niche academic discipline, but as critical infrastructure enabling national technology missions.
This session aims to support dialogue between the ACE community and policymakers on how strengthened automation and control capability can:
Enhance UK productivity and industrial competitiveness
Enable trustworthy and assured AI systems
Support net zero and resilient energy systems
Accelerate innovation in life sciences and advanced manufacturing
Strengthen national security and sovereign technological capability
Programme
13:30 — Welcome and Introduction
Overview of the ACE Network and event objectives.
Keynote Address
Professor Karl Henrik Johansson
Director of Digital Futures and Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
The strategic role of control engineering in national competitiveness and innovation.
Position Paper Launch
Introduction to the ACE Network Position Paper and its recommendations.
Panel Discussion & Q&A
Discussion with report authors and sector experts, followed by audience questions.
14:30 — Close
Who Should Attend
This webinar is designed for:
UK policymakers and government officials
Research funders and strategy leaders
Regulators and standards bodies
Industry and innovation leaders
Academic researchers and engineers
Stakeholders interested in AI, energy systems and advanced technologies
Registration
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Please complete the registration form to register for this event.
Joining details will be sent to registered participants in advance of the event.