EPIEM 2026 is a wrap – and what a journey it has been! After months of preparation, the 19th EPIEM Conference 2026 and the 6th EurOMA CEE Research Network Workshop in Skopje have come to a close – and we’re still processing the energy, ideas, and conversations that filled every room.
The theme “Building Synergies for Innovative Digital Transformation Solutions” wasn’t just a slogan – it became a living thread connecting every paper, every pitch, and every hallway conversation. From Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 to Digital Twins, AI & ML applications, and Human-Machine Collaboration, the breadth of knowledge exchanged was truly remarkable.
🎤 A special thank you to our keynote speakers:
- Prof. Dr. Giovanni Mummolo (University of Bari Aldo Moro) — whose expertise added a powerful European dimension to our discussions
- Prof. Dr. Daryl Powell (University of South-Eastern Norway) — a true pioneer in digital lean manufacturing whose decades of insight brought clarity and direction to the room
- Aleksandar Stankovic (Mitsubishi Electric Europe) — who grounded us in real-world Smart Factory transformation across the Western Balkans
🤝 The project pitches were great – watching researchers condense bold ideas into 5 minutes of passion and vision, further developing them together with their colleagues. It was great to be part of.
🥗 Of course, we couldn’t miss giving a glimpse of our culture by sharing delicious food, Macedonian songs and a sightseeing tour of the city center. I am glad the guests enjoyed it!
🌍 What I’ll carry with me most:
- New friendships and collaborations with colleagues from Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Czechia, Turkey, and beyond.
- Fresh project ideas are born at the intersection of digital transformation, sustainable manufacturing, and human-centered technology
- A renewed belief that the Western Balkans has a vital voice in the European research and innovation ecosystem
To every author, participant, reviewer, pitch presenter, panelist and member of the organizing team — THANK YOU. And to the incredible #ESTIEM#LG_Skopje students who made the logistics feel seamless.
Thanks to Bernd M. Zunk for giving us the opportunity to organize an EPIEM (EPIEM – European Professors of Industrial Engineering and Management) conference and we do hope we have met the expectations 😉
The best ideas don’t stay in the conference room. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Many thanks from the organizing commitee from SLFS, Bojan, Robert and Alekandar.
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