Abingdon tech giant to accelerate ed tech innovation
Abingdon-based RM Results, the digital assessment business which is part of RM plc, a leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector since 1973, has launched its own in-house innovation lab. RM Studio is harnessing the latest technologies including machine learning and artificial intelligence to create and improve education and assessment solutions for lifelong learning.
RM Studio will develop ideas to make education and assessment a more positive experience for all those involved, from learners to assessors, awarding organisations to educational institutions.
The new initiative is spearheaded by Roberto Hortal, who has been building the RM Studio innovation team since his appointment to the newly-created Head of Innovation role in January 2019. RM Studio works closely with customers including Cambridge Assessment, the International Baccalaureate and SQA to understand and anticipate the needs of the assessment sector now and in the future.
Prior to joining RM in 2019, Roberto gained more than two decades of experience in implementing innovation programmes, having previously been responsible for significant “first ever” digital milestones at Nokia, easyJet, MORE TH>N, EDF Energy and Co-Op Group. This increased investment from RM Results in innovation marks the company’s commitment to a more direct, mature approach to innovation, and is part of its continuing efforts to drive the global modernisation of assessment.
A key aspect of RM Studio is creating a culture of innovation to further the individual empowerment of employees, offering them opportunities to pursue their own ideas and, potentially, see them developed and added to the RM product suite.
Roberto Hortal said: “Education and technology are now inextricably linked, and increasingly we are seeing people engaging with education throughout their lives, rather than just their school and university years.
“Education and technology are intersecting in all sorts of ways, from wearable devices, to remote teaching, to artificial intelligence. New opportunities are constantly presenting themselves, and educators are always on the lookout for solutions that offer flexibility and make their jobs and lives easier. We want to enable the best lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.”
Richard Little, Product Development Director at RM Results, added: “The addition of a Head of Innovation to our team, and subsequent launch of RM Studio, has allowed us to push forward with a new wave of initiatives, and is perfectly timed as we prepare to launch new products. At RM Results, everyone is encouraged to innovate, it is a celebrated part of our culture. Roberto’s expertise and experience in successfully bringing innovation to various industries means he is the perfect figurehead to lead our ambitious plans.”
While RM Studio operates in-house, RM Results is keen to explore opportunities for partnerships and open innovation, and in doing so bring the collaborative approach of RM Studio to their relationships with others.
