Steel industry consultant Rod Beddows says that the global steel industry needs to articulate a positive message, particularly to the younger generation, if it is to meet the challenges facing it in the coming years.

In his recently-published new book, “Steel 2050 – How steel has transformed the world and now must transform itself”, Beddows puts together a forecast of what the industry might look like in 2050 and how it’s going to get there.  “The book is written from the perspective of what I would have liked to read when I first became involved in the industry 40 years ago” the author tells Kallanish.

The steel industry is dynamic and will continue to be dynamic and an important part of the global economy. It must however generate enough capital to fund growth, Beddows insists.

He hopes that the book will be read by industry decision makers. “I hope that managers, executives and industry leaders will read it… and I hope it will enhance their perspective on the future so that they have a positive story about the industry…”, Beddows says. “If they can get that positive message articulated, it will attract younger people…” the author continues.

The positive message is that steel is a growth industry, Beddows says. “During the 20th century world gdp grew at 3.4% per annum while steel production grew at over 4% per annum. It is a high growth industry and will remain a high growth industry for the next 25 years…” he observes.

The steel industry is not a negative place to be, the author concludes. “But that message has to be communicated… if it is, then we’ll get young talent coming in”.