Collaboration in Innovation: A Conversation with Mike Rose of UK Water Industry Research
In the bustling world of the water sector, where policies and operational decisions significantly impact environmental and public health, collaboration and innovation are crucial. Piers Clark, host of the Exec Exchange podcast, recently sat down with Mike Rose, the new Chief Executive of UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), to discuss how collaboration in research can either accelerate or impede progress.
A Journey Through the Water Sector
Mike Rose has nearly 30 years of experience in water and infrastructure, beginning his career in the northwest of England with United Utilities. Throughout his career, he has taken on various roles, ultimately leading him to establish advisory services and technology businesses internationally. Before joining UKWIR, Mike was an independent advisor, assisting various UK water companies. To him, joining UKWIR seemed like a natural progression, aligning his extensive skills with the organization’s needs.
Understanding UKWIR
UKWIR serves as a collaboration platform, addressing the sector’s biggest challenges through impartial research. Supported by 18 UK and Irish water company members, UKWIR collaborates internationally with the Global Water Research Coalition, academia, the supply chain, and regulators to develop practical solutions and insights for policy-makers and operators.
Innovative Tools and Successful Projects
UKWIR has developed several innovative tools to help water companies operate more efficiently. One standout tool is Red-Up, which predicts future rainfall patterns and assesses their impact on sewage systems. As flooding costs the UK approximately 2 billion pounds annually, this tool allows organizations to make informed infrastructure and sustainability decisions. Another notable project is the Source Apportionment and Geographical Information System (SAGIS), which aggregates multiple models to provide a comprehensive view of pollution sources at catchment level. This tool aids in planning future water quality and pollution control measures through collective understanding and cooperation between regulators, landowners, and water companies. An exemplary case of UKWIR’s success is their Carbon Accounting Workbook, established in 2007. This standardized product allows water companies to efficiently estimate their carbon emissions, ensuring consistent and robust reporting across the sector.
The Balance of Collaboration and Innovation
Collaboration, although powerful, can sometimes slow down the innovation process. Mike points out that shared knowledge and collaboration, where competition isn’t an advantage, bring unique value. UKWIR’s Leakage Network exemplifies successful collaboration by engaging stakeholders to share information on best practices and performance, reflecting the essence of collective effort within the water sector.
Global Reach and Openness to Collaboration
Despite being a UK-centric organization, UKWIR maintains strong international links, often working with global supply chain partners and representing members through various international collaborations. Mike emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and shared learning to accelerate progress in emerging sciences.
About Mike Rose
Mike’s advice to his younger self highlights the significance of understanding personal strengths early on in one’s career. By recognizing and controlling these strengths, individuals can use them to achieve great impact while avoiding potential pitfalls. As the Exec Exchange podcast concludes, listeners are reminded that collaboration is not just a choice—it’s a necessity.
As Piers Clark aptly puts it, through Mike’s African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The water sector, much like any other, thrives on collective effort and shared vision, propelling innovation and sustainable solutions for the world.