IIW Technical Output Brochure

PROMOTING NATIONAL WELDING CAPABILITY

IIW's International Conferences, Congresses and Welding Research and Collaboration Colloquia perform technology diffusion as well as generate dialogue with, and between, leaders of industry, governments, local and international organisations and individuals in the region.

The IIW Working Group for Regional Activities and Liaison with Developing Countries has launched a project ’Establishing a National Welding Capability (NWC) ’. IIW Member Societies within the South Eastern European Network (SEENet) and the Indian Institute of Welding were the first to enthusiastically embrace the concept of NWC which provides a roadmap for future growth and prosperity. The NWC project provides IIW Members with guidance on how to promote the welding industry in their country, and gather the building blocks needed for innovation and development, such as research and technology output as well as education and training. The IIW Education, Training, Qualification and Certification Programmes contribute signifyingly to NWC by developing and promoting competent personnel in industry who can take up and implement appropriate welding technology.

KNOWLEDGE TO THE WORLD

Linking Researchers Together Welding Research and Collaboration Colloquia provide a unique opportunity for researchers from universities, industries and governments from around the world to meet, present, and discuss the research and development work they are conducting, or planning to do, alone or in cooperation with other researchers. Hosted to date in countries as wide-ranging as Brazil, Austria, Australia, Germany (pictured) and India, these unique and outstanding forums facilitate the exchange of ideas and establishment of a vision for future development in topical industry sectors, such as aerospace, wind energy, nuclear power generation and heavy engineering. Sessions presented by R&D support agencies facilitate awareness of, and access to, funding for research, while a ‘Research Marketplace‘ fosters project cooperation and synergies between participants. The involvement of personnel from industrial R&D organisations also opens pathways for business-to-business opportunities. Welding Research and Collaboration Colloquia are proving particularly useful to young professionals seeking support or collaboration for research projects.

First pilot group for International Welding Specialist (IWS) training in Cameroon in 2016

IIW Weldcare Programme ‘Support from the welding community – financial, technical and professional – is vital to the success of our young association. Economic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa are difficult, and welders in need of training can rarely afford the full costs. IIW membership has brought us many benefits. As well as supporting our training needs, CWA has gained greater visibility and recognition and, through participation in IIW WUs, our members are gaining scientific knowledge regarding the state-of-the-art in welding.’ Dr Paul Kah, Cameroon President, Cameroon Welding Association The Cameroon Welding Association (CWA) joined other African nations, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa, as members of IIW in 2015 to help promote welding practices in that country. Cameroon is a developing country with a population of more than 25 million, of which the majority are under 25 years old. Support from IIW in the training, qualification and certification of personnel and companies is helping CWA develop an effective workforce and ensure local participation in major resource and infrastructure projects. Pilot International Welding Specialist (IWS) training courses have already been organised and similar training is planned for the future. IIW takes technical knowhow and support to countries in regions around the world, particularly those with emerging economies where welding is a significant enabling technology for development.