How can technology help companies become more sustainable, human-centred and resilient? This question is at the heart of the fifth edition of the International Symposium on Industrial Engineering and Automation, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering from 17th to 19th June.

The conference, first launched and organised by unibz, is promoted within the university’s macro-area Industrial Engineering and Automation. This year’s edition is organised by the management engineering and design methods for engineering research groups. The scientific organisation involves Aurora Berni, Yuri Borgianni, Margherita Molinaro and Guido Orzes, while Dominik Matt serves as honorary chair.

The title chosen for this year’s event — “People, Planet and Progress: New Trends in Design and Manufacturing” — reflects one of the most relevant challenges currently facing both research and industry: how to combine technological innovation with environmental and social sustainability.

The theme is closely connected to the emerging paradigm of Industry 5.0, promoted at the European level, which brings together three key dimensions: human-centricity, sustainability and resilience. Companies are increasingly expected to use digital and manufacturing technologies not only to improve efficiency, but also to reduce waste, strengthen resilience and improve their overall sustainability performance.

The international response to the symposium confirms the relevance of the topic. The organisers received around 80 paper submissions, which were evaluated through a rigorous peer-review process. A total of 71 papers were accepted into the programme. 84 participants from 20 countries are expected to attend the conference in Bolzano. The programme is structured around three thematic areas. The first focuses on design and engineering, with contributions related to sustainable and human-centred design, mechanical engineering and materials. The second is dedicated to management, including sustainable supply chain management and circular economy in manufacturing, as well as applications in sectors such as healthcare and public administration. The third focuses on new avenues for the application of digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins and Additive Manufacturing, in industry and beyond. A special track is organised in collaboration with the SUNRISE network and focuses on energy systems transition, with particular attention to the opportunities and challenges of industrial energy transition.

Two keynote speakers will bring both academic and industrial perspectives to the discussion. Daniela Pigosso, professor at the Technical University of Denmark and recipient of an ERC grant, will present the keynote lecture “How to Design for Absolute Sustainability in a World of Rebound Effects”. Her talk will address circular economy and sustainable design, including the risk that apparently sustainable solutions may, in some cases, generate unintended negative effects.

The second keynote speaker, Fabio Fattori from Boston Consulting Group, will discuss how Industry 4.0 technologies can support sustainability in manufacturing. His keynote, titled “Making More, Wasting Less: Smart Manufacturing as a Sustainability Enabler”, will focus on practical experience from manufacturing companies and on how digital transformation can help reduce waste and improve environmental performance.

The conference is sponsored by Würth and takes place in Bolzano, NOI Techpark.