Zielona Góra became a venue for key discussions on the future of industry. For the sixth time, the University of Zielona Góra hosted participants of the conference “Cooperation Between Science and Business in Production Engineering,” once again confirming its position as a leader in building bridges between theory and economic practice. The event took place on 11–12 December this year at the UZ Library and online.
It can be confidently stated that the two-day conference has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of the most important industry meetings. The event, attended by experts from almost all over Poland, was opened by Prof. Justyna Patalas-Maliszewska, DSc, Eng. The Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at the University of Zielona Góra emphasized in her speech the importance of determination in promoting inter-sector dialogue and the need to deepen cooperation between science and business.
The first day of proceedings began with a panel featuring Dr. Jarosław Flakowski, Deputy Mayor of Zielona Góra; Prof. Sebastian Saniuk, DSc, Eng., Director of the Department of Development and Economy of the Marshal’s Office of the Lubusz Voivodeship; Prof. Sebastian Skoczypec, DSc, Eng., Chairman of the Committee of Production Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences; Prof. Bożena Kaczmarska, DSc, Eng., President of the Polish Society for Innovation Management; Prof. Radosław Maruda, DSc, Eng., Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Zielona Góra; and Piotr Gawara, Chairman of the Lubusz Employers’ Organization.
One of the highlights of the first day was the inaugural lecture delivered by Prof. Bożena Skołud, DSc, Eng. The Vice-Rector for General Affairs at the Silesian University of Technology spoke about challenges related to orbital manufacturing, going beyond the traditionally understood concept of “Factories of the Future.” During panels and sessions, participants discussed the most pressing issues of modern engineering, including artificial intelligence and sustainable production. A module featuring, among others, the CEOs of Lumel S.A. and Perceptus Sp. z o.o. was moderated by Prof. Sławomir Kłos, DSc, Eng., from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at UZ.
The second day of the conference focused on identifying research niches and specific applications of production engineering in various sectors of the economy. The Friday panel, moderated by Karol Dąbrowski, Director of the UZ Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, brought together experts from Lublin, Kraków, Bielsko-Biała, Poznań, and Kielce. Discussions centered on new research areas requiring immediate integration with engineering practice, which must adapt to the needs of the global market and the international situation. A professional contribution in this part was also made by the doctoral students’ representative in the field of production engineering, Anna Dudkowiak, MSc Eng., from Poznań University of Technology.
It is worth emphasizing that during the two days of deliberations, significant attention was also devoted to digital twins and vision systems, workforce education, and value chain mapping. The discussions also focused on practice-oriented study programs and the role of knowledge management in manufacturing companies.
Interestingly, the sixth edition of the conference coincided with a special jubilee—the 60th anniversary of discoveries and inspirations at the University of Zielona Góra. The guiding motto “University for Society” was fully reflected in the meeting agenda, which not only promotes science but also has a real impact on the economic development of the Lubusz region and the entire country.
The 6th edition of the Conference “Cooperation Between Science and Business in Production Engineering” was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, which made it possible to create a free platform for the exchange of experience. The effects of this initiative, in the form of new research and implementation projects, will be observed in the coming years. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Science, Marcin Kulasek, and the Honorary Patronage of the Marshal of the Lubusz Voivodeship, Sebastian Ciemnoczołowski. The initiative was also supported by prestigious institutions such as the Committee of Production Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Society for Innovation Management. The conference was organized by staff of the UZ Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Zielona Góra.
