This week, Highways Voices hears ideas on how to overcome challenges in staying close to customers, adapting to their needs, and future-proofing a company portfolio.

Our guest is the CEO of SWARCO, Michael Schuch who discusses the the problems facing the industry because of differing regulation around the world, especially when it comes to adherence to patents and to carbon limits.

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Mr Schuch talks about how we must make sure that countries that produce outside Europe and want to deliver into Europe, are not having an advantage. “A mechanism was put in place called CBM – Cross Border Adjustment Mechanism,” he explains. “But this mechanism only applies for certain industries, like steel like aluminium, like fertilisers and other materials, but glass is not part of it. So if you produce in Europe, you pay this tax. But if you produce outside Europe and want to import into Europe, you don’t pay.”

He also gives his thoughts on the issues around securing public sector funding for transportation innovation, discussing how money is often not available for major deployments after the concept has been proved: “When it is about small scale deployment, it’s one thing,” he says. “So putting a demo somewhere in place or a pilot in place, that’s one thing – money is spent there. But when it comes to wide scale deployment, this is missing.”

You’ll also hear his thoughts on the importance of a customer-centric approach to innovation, as well as allowing a culture where people can get things wrong in order to get things right.

Away from the main interview, you’ll hear news from our partners including LCRIG’s great offer for start-ups and micro companies, and why Adrian has chosen Transport for London as the winners of his accolade this week.

(Picture – Michael Schuch at Intertraffic, pic by Paul Hutton/Intertraffic)