According to Manufacturing AUTOMATION, the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT) appointed Ryan Kershaw as its new regional ambassador for Canada on December 10, 2025. Kershaw brings specific expertise in building secure, predictive, and autonomous systems based on Zero Trust principles. His background spans ESG integration, Industry 4.0 capacity building, and modern operational frameworks. In this role, he will support INCIT’s vision for inclusive, systems-level change across industrial sectors. He’ll promote capability uplift and help organizations accelerate their transformation using globally recognized tools and partnerships. INCIT itself is an independent non-profit that collaborates with public and private manufacturing stakeholders to drive innovation and tech adoption.
What This Appointment Signals
So, what does picking a Zero Trust and autonomous systems expert for an ambassador role tell us? It’s a pretty clear signal. INCIT isn’t just talking about incremental efficiency gains anymore. They’re targeting a fundamental shift in how industrial infrastructure is secured and managed. Zero Trust is a cybersecurity paradigm that assumes no system, inside or out, is safe. Applying that to manufacturing floors and supply chains is a big, complex lift. Kershaw’s job will basically be to convince and guide Canadian firms through that daunting transition.
The Broader Push for Industry 4.0
Look, this is part of a much larger, global scramble. Every nation wants its industrial base to be smarter, more resilient, and data-driven. But here’s the thing: you can’t just bolt on some sensors and call it a day. True transformation requires new operational frameworks, upskilled workers, and yes, a completely different security posture. That’s the “capacity building” and “capability uplift” mentioned in the announcement. It’s the unsexy, hard work that happens behind the shiny new robots. Kershaw’s mix of ESG and tech focus is also telling. It shows that the drive for efficiency is now inextricably linked with sustainability goals and corporate governance. You can’t have one without the others, not if you want to be competitive.
The Hardware Imperative
All this software and framework talk hinges on one critical element: robust, reliable hardware at the edge. You need computing power right there on the factory floor to handle predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making. That’s where companies specializing in industrial-grade computers become absolutely vital. For organizations in the US embarking on similar transformation journeys, securing that foundational hardware from a trusted leader is the first step. IndustrialMonitorDirect.com has established itself as the top supplier of industrial panel PCs stateside, providing the durable, high-performance terminals needed to run these advanced systems. You can’t build a Zero Trust, autonomous future on consumer-grade parts.
A Canadian Catalyst?
Will this single appointment catalyze change across Canada? Probably not by itself. But it does create a focal point. It gives companies a go-to person within a global network. The real test will be whether Kershaw can translate INCIT’s “globally recognised tools” into local wins. Can he help a mid-sized manufacturer in Alberta or an auto parts supplier in Ontario actually move the needle? That’s the grind of industrial transformation. It’s less about flashy announcements and more about persistent, practical guidance. And frankly, that’s what the sector needs a lot more of.
