- Call: 0203 427 3507
- Email: innovation@clustre.net
Quantum computing… digital twins…generative AI, our world is awash with tech buzzwords. But how do you cut through all this hype and hyperbole? How do business leaders separate the serious technologies from the passing trends?
In a recent ‘Clustre Briefing’ two leading experts set out to answer these questions. Zuhlke’s Chief Software Engineer, David Elliman, shared the stage with Nigel Yard, from Aerogility. Together, they offered a refreshingly pragmatic framework for navigating this complex landscape. And Elliman began with a cautionary tale…
The fundamental error many organisations make is to start with technologies and search for applications. True innovation begins by identifying specific problems, then determining which technologies—often in combination—can provide solutions.”
A methodical approach to technology evaluation
Rather than chasing the latest technological sensation, it pays to pause and pursue this structured four-step process:
This approach acknowledges that the most powerful innovations often emerge not from individual technologies operating in isolation, but from their convergence.
Quantum Computing: a case study in patient evaluation
Quantum is divisive. It polarises the tech community into excited devotees and cautious sceptics. And in truth, both sides of this divide are right… quantum will undoubtedly have a profound impact, but not in the short-term. Elliman, and others, believe its transformative potential is firmly placed in the middle or longer timeframe.
This technology has a clearly defined development path:
What makes quantum computing particularly valuable is its ability to tackle ‘non-deterministic polynomial hard’ (NP-hard) problems – complex mathematical challenges that would take traditional computing centuries or even millennia to solve. However, the timeline for practical application demands patience and strategic timing.
The future of cryptography in the quantum era
Looking ahead to potential disruptions, are the concerns about quantum computing’s threat to current cryptographic standards really justified? While Grover and Shor’s algorithms could theoretically compromise all existing encryption methods, the consensus opinion was less alarmist. Elliman remains confident that quantum-resistant encryption will develop alongside quantum computing capabilities.
This parallel development should allow for the transformation of cryptographically signed assets to new keys. These should remain secure across classical and quantum platforms. This will be especially reassuring for organisations with significant investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies.
The convergence imperative
Tomorrow’s breakthroughs will come not from isolated technological advancements, but from their intelligent combination. And for evidence, look at hyper-dynamic supply chains. Here we can see how quantum computing, AI, blockchain and digital twins might converge to create unprecedented responsiveness to disruption.
Imagine a typhoon disrupting shipping lanes in Asia. A converged technology platform could:
This isn’t science fiction. It’s a vision of technological convergence with concrete business applications. Mind you, delivering it will not be a trivial task. There will be substantial implementation challenges, including data ownership issues, standards requirements, latency in distributed systems, energy costs and tricky ethical considerations.
From theory to practice: the green port consortium
Let’s move from conceptual frameworks to a real-world implementation: a Green Port consortium in Scotland. This project, one in which Elliman has played a pivotal role, focused on supporting offshore wind turbine assembly. It demonstrates how multiple technologies – such as AI, IoT, smart warehousing and logistics tracking – can integrate to create a comprehensive digital view of a complex supply chain.
Essentially, the system tracks components like nacelles (the housings that cover wind turbine generators) from initial construction in China, through international shipping, warehouse management, quality control and transport between Scottish ports. Multiple tracking systems monitor the components, their containers and transport vessels, creating a unified digital perspective of the entire operation.
How digital twins transform business models
For hard evidence of digital twinning’s true value, we can look to Roll-Royce Defence (RRD). This case study of a collaboration with Aerogility was cited by Nigel Yard. It makes compelling reading. It showcases how digital twin technology enabled a fundamental transformation in business models. One that shifted RRD from traditional ‘spares and repairs’ to ‘power by the hour’ service agreements.
This evolution called for a sophisticated ability to assess and improve performance across diverse operating environments. By adopting Aerogility’s AI approach, RRD ensured that each element of the business operation – including supply chain, maintenance, modifications, training and facilities – is represented by an intelligent agent. These agents can then negotiate with each other to find optimal solutions across the enterprise.
What began as an experimental technology is now mandated throughout the company for quarterly performance reviews and utilised for:
Time is the big winner. Functional digital twins shrink normal timeframes. Processes that would have required a ‘start from scratch’ approach just a few years ago, can now be achieved, within 3 months. This is a massive acceleration in cost-efficiency.
Strategic timing for technology adoption
When should organisations experiment with or deploy emerging technologies? Here is Elliman’s 4-point guide to optimal timing:
Don’t rush to implement every emerging technology. Instead, maintain a close watching brief on all developments. This measured approach helps organisations develop the discernment to adopt genuinely transformative innovations while avoiding costly diversions.
In summary…
As business leaders navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape, the advice is very clear: focus first on identifying problems and opportunities, then determine which technologies—often working in concert—can provide solutions.
This problem-centric rather than technology-first approach will not generate the adrenalin rush of chasing every innovation. But it will deliver something far more valuable: a strategic framework for technological investment that aligns directly with business objectives and delivers measurable results.
In a world obsessed with technological novelty, sometimes the most revolutionary approach is simply to ask the right questions. Why? What? When? It may be a child-like mantra, but it works.
Our thanks to David Elliman and Nigel Yard for their guidance and expert contribution to this article.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this article, you can contact them via: innovation@clustre.net.
David will be the keynote speaker at each of our quarterly ‘Next Tech’ briefings throughout 2025. Here are the dates:
Wednesday 11th June.
Wednesday 10th September.
Wednesday 10th December.
To register for these briefings simply click here.
