Engineering a resilient future

From ideas and insights to collective engineering advice

The COVID-19 crisis  impacted on almost every aspect of UK life and poses many risks and opportunities beyond the immediate crisis response.  Drawing on evidence, insights and case studies from across the NEPC partnership, we explained how engineers can transform their ideas into collective advice, minimising the risks and impact of COVID-19 for the UK. 

The report published by the NEPC championed the important role that the engineering community played in advising the UK government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It highlighted where the UK engineering community had many opportunities to contribute its unique and expert voice to future national resilience, emergency preparedness, response and planning conversations, which will ultimately shape long-term decisions that are critical to securing a more resilient future.

The paper presented the engineering response in three stages:

1. Lessening the impact
2. Easing the lockdown
3. Building a resilient future

Supply chain challenges, lessons learned and opportunities

Supply chains can have immediate impacts on our day-to-day lives. While the UK supply chains largely demonstrated resilience and adaptability during disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons can be learned to ensure we understand how our supply networks are connected. This requires considering of the role of regulatory intervention, better communication, knowledge sharing and technology transfer. The report Supply chain challenges, lessons learned and opportunities highlighted areas affected by disruption during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures from procurement, to logistics and skills in food, electronics, telecommunications, transport and energy sectors.