Using their wealth of expertise and knowledge, the Pragmatex team challenge assumptions and unpick problems to ensure that outcomes are robust, with the best possible opportunity for success.
An example of this can be seen in their work on the ‘First in Class’ (FiC) project; an initiative that aims to enhance return on investment by facilitating smoother transitions into business-as-usual operations. Network Rail, in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, established the FiC project team to accelerate the integration of R&D outputs into operational deployment.
Pragmatex were a key part of the team. Providing technical resource and multidisciplinary skills spanning, engineering, commercialisation, product development, testing and product approval.
Delving into ‘First in Class’
The FiC team handled projects on a case-by-case basis, identifying and addressing unknowns that aren’t typically on the radar. They collaborated directly with project managers and stakeholders to troubleshoot, improve outcomes, and ensure smooth transitions from R&D into operational use.
Their work spanned multiple domains, including IP commercialisation, business modelling, and strategic deployment, bringing an innovation background to help stakeholders with procurement, IP management, manufacturing, and scaling up.
Preparing robust business cases for regional early adoption is a hurdle, often requiring access to essential data and effective stakeholder engagement. Hypothesis-led demonstrators and trials are pivotal in providing insights for earlier adoption decisions.
Project objectives
The FiC initiative aimed to streamline the transition to Rail Industry Readiness Level (RIRL) 7, equipping projects and regional teams to effectively adopt new technologies and maximise RoI across Network Rail’s operational landscape.
Additional objectives to the project, included:
• Bridge the gap between RIRL 6 and RIRL 7 for accelerated adoption
• Collaborate closely with project managers and stakeholders to troubleshoot and improve outcomes
• Support IP commercialisation, business modelling, and strategic deployment efforts
• Assist suppliers with procurement, trial demonstration, manufacturing, and scaling up
Bridging the innovation gap
Collaborating with their customers, the Pragmatex team creates and manages achievable targets, developing decision-making aides and robust frameworks to enable innovators to progress far into the future.
This project is no different. The FiC Implementation team at Network Rail strived to optimise the adoption of R&D innovations, ensuring they contribute effectively to operational excellence and RoI.
By bridging gaps between development and deployment, akin to Pragmatex, FiC aimed to establish a robust framework for sustained innovation within the rail industry. We look forward to seeing how the project helps the industry to evolve and innovate.
If you have an innovation that you are looking to take into the rail sector, get in touch with a member of the Pragmatex team over on our LinkedIn channel here.
