Simon Barnes
Simon is currently working as the Programme Director for Growing Kent and Medway, a £33m five-year UK Research and Innovation project to energise the food system in Kent and Medway. As the current programme ends in 2026, Simon is working on a developing a partnership-led innovation facilitator for food systems for Kent and Medway.
Throughout his 40-year career in industry, innovation, engagement in supply chains, new technology, leadership and value have all featured strongly in his experience. His role has included successfully facilitating new national and international collaborations, to address innovation for net zero solutions in food, transport and industrial applications.
Bridging the innovation gap between academic and industry he has bought the two closer together through feasibility, simulation, modelling and demonstrator tools. This balanced with a clear policy of sustainability: environmental, economic and social.
He led the development of the concept of Digital Readiness Level as pathway to accelerating and quantifying take up to digital technology and systems.
Simon Barnes
simon.barnes@niab.com