digital adoption, AI and sustainability at the Liberal Democrats autumn conference
MyPrintPod joined the TechUK and Digital Lib Dems roundtable at the Liberal Democrats autumn conference to discuss digital adoption, AI and sustainable business growth.
on Monday 22 September 2025, myprintpod was invited to the Liberal Democrats autumn conference to take part in a TechUK and Digital Lib Dems roundtable on digital adoption.
the session focused on how businesses can be helped through their digital adoption journey, particularly as AI becomes more widely used across SMEs and established companies.
thank you to Stephen Tulip and James Harcourt for the invitation, and to Alice Campbell for organising the session.
digital adoption has to work for real businesses
the discussion made one point very clear: digital adoption is not just about buying new tools.
for small businesses, it has to connect with practical commercial outcomes.
that means:
- clearer processes
- better use of data
- lower operating risk
- improved productivity
- more resilient business models
AI adoption is vital, but it is also complex. Businesses need support to understand where AI is useful, where it creates risk, and how to adopt it in a way that is secure, affordable and relevant to their work.
sustainability must stay in the conversation
myprintpod’s key point was simple: sustainability must not be forgotten.
digital adoption and AI are moving quickly, but the same is true for sustainable manufacturing, circular materials and carbon reporting.
for businesses like myprintpod, sustainability is not separate from commercial growth. It is part of the business model.
we are building additive manufacturing services around recycled materials, localised production, per-part CO₂e tracking and practical circularity. That is not just about reducing impact. It is about creating profitable, resilient businesses that are ready for changing customer expectations and future regulation.
the opportunity for SMEs
SMEs need policy and support that recognises how businesses actually grow.
digital adoption, AI and sustainability all require:
- practical advice
- patient funding
- clear standards
- trusted networks
- routes to commercial traction
the opportunity is to help SMEs adopt the right technologies at the right stage, without forcing unnecessary complexity onto already stretched teams.
what myprintpod took away
the roundtable reinforced that digital adoption is now a core business issue.
AI will be part of that journey, but it should sit alongside the wider priorities businesses are already facing: cost, resilience, skills, sustainability, data and regulation.
for myprintpod, the message is clear. Sustainable manufacturing can be a growth story, not a compliance burden.
#AI #Sustainability #DigitalAdoption #SMEs #TechUK