The fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) has concluded with an announcement launching GMIS America. 

 

Set to take place in 2022, the inaugural edition of the event will take place in the City of Pittsburgh, homage to some of the manufacturing sector’s most advanced and sustainable innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing. 

 

The announcement reflects the Summit’s commitment to delivering strategic outcomes and value to its global network of partners through collaborative efforts and ongoing opportunities for growth through the introduction of innovative solutions.

 

The announcement was made by Namir Hourani, Managing Director of the GMIS Organising Committee at the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2021). Moderated by Simin Yazdgerdi Curtis, President, CEO and Founder of the American Middle East Institute (AMEI), the closing ceremony witnessed keynote speeches from Diane Farrell, Acting Undersecretary for International Trade at the US Department of Commerce, and Thomas Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

 

The session wrapped up with a panel discussion between Michael Lordi, CEO of Elliott Group – a Pennsylvania-based turbomachinery company, Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection and Board Member of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, and Danny Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council. Bill Flanagan, Chief Corporate Relations Officer at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, joined the panel virtually.

 

Hourani said: “With such a strong history in traditional manufacturing, once being a major industrial powerhouse, and the ongoing story of how the City continues to reinvent itself into becoming a centre for advanced technologies and manufacturing, Pittsburgh makes the utmost sense as a location not only for the inaugural GMIS America scheduled for 2022, but also to establish an ongoing annual GMIS America edition in the US.”

 

Pittsburgh was the second city in the US to adopt the UN Sustainable Cities preceded by its adoption of the Four Principles encompassing People, Planet, Place and Performance (P4) set forth to index and monitor targeted policy actions. Its traditional manufacturing legacy combined with strong leadership, quality infrastructure, collaborative mindset, and proximity to two world-class, research-focused universities have allowed the city to reinvent itself as a major centre of technological innovation and advanced manufacturing in the US.

 

Delivering a special address Diane Farrell, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Office of the Deputy Secretary said: “At the US Department of Commerce, we are committed to create conditions that contribute to business and job growth by promoting advanced manufacturing, fostering innovation and increase in trade and investment. In line with the mission brought through by the GMIS platform, we look forward to be part of this great opportunity to foster global collaboration.”

 

Highlighting the City of Pittsburgh’s successful story of transitioning into a city at the forefront of innovation and advanced technologies, Thomas Wolf, Governor for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania US, said: “The mission of the GMIS and Pittsburgh’s unique ecosystem align seamlessly, so it’s an honour to announce that the city will not only host next year’s summit but also establish a long-term, collaborative partnership with GMIS.” 

 

“Pittsburgh is a city with incredible history that continues to reinvent itself and my administration is committed to fuelling its growth and transformation, bringing new opportunities to both western Pennsylvania and the commonwealth as a whole.”

 

With the support of the American Middle East Institute (AMEI), GMIS America will be hosted in 2022. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the American Middle East Institute is set to closely collaborate with the GMIS to host the event next year. 

 

AMEI is uniquely positioned to attract leading corporations and institutions in the Middle East to the United States because of its longstanding strategy in developing business opportunities, educational and cultural ties between the two nation-states. Upon thanking GMIS for choosing Pittsburgh as its host, Simin Curtis, President and CEO, American Middle East Institute, said: “GMIS couldn't have picked a more exciting host than Pittsburgh, a city that has reinvigorated its economy again and again with a unique brand of grit and innovation. I am delighted that the bridge-building mission of AMEI has brought GMIS to our city.”

 

The collaboration with AMEI reflects the outcome and lasting legacy of #GMIS2021 and highlights the Summit’s commitment to delivering long-term strategic results and value that will contribute to the sustainability, development and wellbeing of societies around the world.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Badr Al Olama, Head of the Organising Committee of GMIS, said: “GMIS America will showcase the Pittsburgh story to the rest of the world. As a national and global hub for advanced manufacturing, Pittsburgh serves as a perfect example for other cities around the world that are embarking on an advanced industrialisation journey. GMIS was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2017, and has since taken place in Russia and Germany (virtually) before coming to Dubai this year. Extending our reach to the US was the natural next step for us.”  

 

The turn of the Fourth Industrialisation Revolution has brought in cutting-edge technologies such as Advanced Robotics, Quantum Mechanics, Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things, Blockchain and more which together hold the reins for accelerating economic regeneration, emancipating industries, developers and innovators in the new Age of Disruption.

 

#GMIS2021 was part of the six-day GMIS Week that runs from November 22 to 27. The GMIS Week includes the Global Prosperity Conference and the Green Chain Conference exploring alternative and renewable energy on 24 November, and country-focused conferences in partnership with the UK, Australia, and Italy on November 24 and 25. 

 

Throughout the week, the Summit is also running an exhibition to highlight the UAE government’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign, a first-of-its-kind initiative to encourage local and international investors, developers and innovators to benefit from the facilities and incentives offered by the country’s industrial sector.-- TradeArabia News Service