Associate Professor
Robert (Bob) Owen

Biography

Nov 2014 on - Global Infrastructure Task Group Originator & Leader.  The instigator of the research is the CIB President, 2013-16, Sivaraj Shyam-Sunder.  Shyam is now the Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce, USA, was previously a Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and was advisor to the 9-11 rebuild.  As you are no doubt aware, there is a current emphasis on new-build infrastructure in the USA as a post-GFC initiative.  Although the GFC money will soon die out, there is a recognition in the USA that x trillions of dollars is now required to update older infrastructure; for instance, Pennsylvania has identified 558 structurally deficient bridges that will be replaced as part of the Rapid Bridge Replacement Public-Private Partnership - just one of many US opportunities.  The launch of the one trillion US$ World Bank PP Infrastructure Fund has also created a degree of interest.  At the same time the initial USA pressure on countries not to join the Chinese Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has failed.  There are many infrastructure initiatives globally; who do we deliver the best benefit for the investment (and resilience and sustainability)? Oct 2013 Oct 2014.  I am setting up a new, forward thinking area in Spatial Information.  So far, we are looking at 'Big Data' in a geospatial context, aiming at multi-disciplinary applications for civilian governments, businesses and the public.  The first of two Profs is now in place - Dr Tim Foresman is now the SIBA Chair in Spatial Information.  The second Chair is being negotiated and a new Research Centre established. Nov 2012 - Sep 2013.  I have a continuing interest in Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions, Building Information Modelling, Integrated Project Delivery, Lean Construction, Wide area information systems & GIS, Project, Programme and Portfolio Management, and Business Change.  Note: This led to QUT being named as a 'Digital Built Britain - Research' partner by the UK Government in 2015. Jan 2008 - Aug 2012.  I was Senior Research Fellow in the Salford Centre for Research & Innovation (SCRI) in the Built & Human Environment. I worked in research, rising rapidly to become a global and national leader. I am coordinator for the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) priority research theme: Improving Construction and Use through Integrated Design & Delivery Solutions (IDDS). I am also responsible for the process elements of this global IDDS research project and Editor of the White Paper. IDDS seeks to move the construction research agenda forward for collaborating people, integrated processes (including Lean Construction and Integrated Project delivery – IPD) and interoperable technologies, including next generation Building Information Modelling (BIM)/ Virtual Design, Construction and Operation (VDCO). Member of the UK Office of Government Commerce Reference Group for 'Managing Successful Programmes', the British Standards Institute project management programme, and UK Expert on the International Standards Organisation mirror committee for the new ISO 21500 project management standard. PM Forum Inc. International Correspondent and have presented at about 40 national and international conferences, frequently as a keynote or Chairman. I have also organized around 40 -50 workshops and conferences. Jun 1971 - Dec 2007.   Royal Air Force Technician, Pilot, Intelligence Officer; Defence industry surveillance & reconnaissance specialist & business development director; own consultancy; MSc & PhD Student. Recommendations: A Senior NATO Officer at the Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development, Paris: Mr. Owen’s contributions to the Study cannot he overstated. He rapidly became the primary UK representative and brought unique experience and capability to the Study Team. He successfully bridged the gaps between the Operational and the Technical Teams and enthusiastically provided leadership, when needed. He has worked hard to ensure that the Study had immediate relevance to the tasking and needs of the … Forces, that the solutions proposed could he implemented in the near term with limited funding, and that the Study was delivered on time. We at AGARD appreciate that a key player like Mr. Owen is not easily freed up. Dr John Gutteridge, Senior Director at BAe Systems, London: Bob is very intelligent and has a sound understanding of complex IT systems.  He has wide experience of using military computers and marketing IT systems to very sophisticated customers, and has needed to have considerable technical knowledge to achieve this. Bob is very hard working, diligent and persistent.  He is also an amusing and perceptive colleague. Dr Peter Becher, Vice-President, Technology Management at EADS, Munich: I have known Bob for more than 10 years…we worked together on international projects for NATO and different NATO nations, each of us for his company. Bob is a fellow of high loyalty who is able to work not only hard and enduring but also in a complex international team environment where different cultures meet and different characters and vivacities are hard to control.  Bob is able to cope with such situations and form a team spirit for common success. Bob was in many cases the one who called us back on track, who gave new ideas, new aspects and perspectives.