5th edition of Manufacturing Innovation as a Driver of the Future Conference
Zagreb, Croatia | National and University Library | December 3, 2026
We are pleased to announce the First Call for Papers for the 5th edition of the conference “Manufacturing Innovation as a Driver of the Future – Academic Day” which will be held on December 3, 2026, at the National and University Library in Zagreb, Croatia.
The conference will bring together researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, technology providers, innovation ecosystem stakeholders, doctoral students, and early-career researchers to discuss how manufacturing innovation can shape the future of industry, competitiveness, sustainability, and society.
Conference Scope
Manufacturing is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainability requirements, resilient supply chains, and the transition toward human-centric, resilient, and sustainable Industry 5.0.
The conference aims to provide a platform for presenting new research results, industrial case studies, applied innovation projects, and strategic insights into the future of manufacturing. Special attention will be given to the role of innovation in strengthening industrial competitiveness, supporting green and digital transitions, improving productivity, and creating sustainable value for companies, regions, and society.
We invite contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
- Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0
- Artificial intelligence in manufacturing
- Robotics, collaborative robotics, and automation
- Smart factories and cyber-physical production systems
- Digital twins, simulation, and virtual commissioning
- Human-centric manufacturing and ergonomics
- Sustainable, circular, and green manufacturing
- Energy efficiency and resource optimization
- Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping
- Data-driven production management
- Quality management and process optimization
- Manufacturing resilience and supply-chain innovation
- Lean, agile, and reconfigurable manufacturing systems
- Skills, education, and workforce transformation
- Innovation management and technology transfer
- SME digital transformation and industrial competitiveness
- Policy frameworks and regional innovation ecosystems
Submission Types
Authors are invited to submit contributions in the form of:
Scientific papers presenting original research, theoretical contributions, methodologies, models, experimental results, or new scientific insights related to manufacturing innovation.
Professional papers and case studies presenting practical experiences, implementation projects, industrial applications, lessons learned, and examples of successful innovation in manufacturing.
Applied research and innovation project papers presenting results from collaborative projects, pilot implementations, technology transfer activities, and cooperation between academia, industry, and public-sector stakeholders.
Submission Formats
Authors and participants are invited to submit contributions in the form of extended abstracts or full papers.
Extended abstracts should clearly describe the aim of the contribution, methodology or approach, main results or expected findings, and relevance to the conference theme. Accepted extended abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings, and authors will be invited to present their work during the conference.
All extended abstracts or full papers should be submitted via EasyChair system by November 1st, 2026.
Authors of extended abstracts will be invited to publish full papers to following partner journals, all indexed in Web of Science database:
Special issue of the journal Applied Sciences
Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems – INDECS
All of the partner journals are indexed in the Web of Science database. Kindly note that the publication fee is not included in the conference registration fee.
Abstract Submission
Abstract and/or extended abstract template:
All extended abstracts or full papers should be submitted via EasyChair system by November 1st, 2026.
The extended abstract submission deadline is November 1st, 2026.
All submitted extended abstracts will be reviewed by the conference organizers and, if accepted, invited to present at the conference.
Extended abstracts should clearly indicate the aim of the paper, methodology or approach, main findings or expected contribution, and relevance to the conference theme.
Full paper submission: 15.11.2026. (optional)
If you wish to submit the full paper for the conference proceedings, proceed with submission via EasyChair system by November 1st, 2026.
Final confirmation of the acceptance: 15.11.2026.
All accepted extended abstracts will be published in the Conference Proceedings, as well as the accepted full papers. Best papers will be invited to conference partner journals.
Important Dates
- Extended abstract submission deadline:
September 30, 2026November 1st 2026 - Early bird registration deadline:
October 15, 2026November 15th 2026 - Final paper (optional) submission deadline:
November 1, 2026November 15th 2026 - Conference date: December 3, 2026
Venue
The conference will take place at the National and University Library in Zagreb, one of Croatia’s leading cultural, scientific, and academic institutions, located in the heart of Zagreb.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, offers a dynamic environment for academic exchange, industrial networking, and international cooperation. Its strong university tradition, growing innovation ecosystem, and central European location make it an ideal setting for discussing the future of manufacturing.
Date of the Conference:
December 3rd, 2026
Publication:
All the submitted papers and abstracts will be published in the official conference proceedings.
Preliminary conference program:
December 3rd 2026
Location: National and University Library, Hrvatske bratske zajednice 4, Zagreb
9:00 Conference opening
9:15-11:30 Conference Sessions
11:30-12:00 Coffee Break
12:00-15:00 Conference Sessions
15:00 Lunch
December 4th 2026
10:00 Tour of laboratories at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (optional)
Conference Committees:
Conference chairs:
Assoc. prof. dr. sc. Tihomir Opetuk
Maja Trstenjak, PhD
Ivana Čavar, PhD
Organizing Committee:
- Maja Trstenjak, PhD
- Assoc. prof. dr. sc. Tihomir Opetuk
- Matija Golec, Mag. Ing. mech
- Ivana Čavar, PhD
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Department of Industrial Engineering
Program Committee:
- Maja Trstenjak, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture University of Zagreb
- Matija Golec, mag. ing. mech, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture University of Zagreb
- prof. Hrvoje Cajner, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture University of Zagreb
- assist. prof., Nataša Tošanović, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- assoc. prof., Tihomir Opetuk, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- prof. dr. sc. Marek Chodincki, Gdansk University of Technology
- prof. dr. sc. Miodrag Milošević, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad
- assist. prof. Ernad Bešlagić, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zenica
- assist. prof. Morana Mihaljević, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- asist. prof. dr. sc. Jasna Leder Horina, Faculty of Transport Sciences, University of Zagreb
- prof. dr. sc. Milenko Sekulić, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad
- prof. dr. sc. Vesna Spasojević Brkić, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade
- assoc. prof. dr. sc. Nikola Vitković, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Niš, Serbia
- assist. prof. dr. sc. Miljenko Mustapić, University North
- assist. prof. Mihael Gudlin, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- assist. prof. Davor Kolar, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb
- prof. Borut Buchmeister, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor
- prof. Dr. Bernhard Axmann, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
- assoc. prof., Nikola Gjeldum, PhD, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split
- Marina Crnjac Žižić, PhD, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split
- prof. Peter Poor, PhD Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlín
- prof. Davor Dujak, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business in Osijek, Croatia
- assist. prof. Jelena Franjković, PhD, Faculty of Economics and Business in Osijek, Croatia
- assoc. prof. Samir Žic, PhD, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka
- prof. dr. sc. Dejan Lukić, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad
- assoc. prof. dr. sc. Biljana Cvetić, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade
- assoc. prof. dr. sc. Branislav Sredanović, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Banja Luka
Payment information:
Corresponding authors will get payment via e-mail info after the extended abstract/full paper is accepted.
Early bird conference fee (until October 15th): 250 EUR
Regular conference fee: 350 EUR
Conference fee includes attendance to all sessions, publication of the extended abstract and/or full paper in the conference proceedings, coffee breaks, lunch and a goodie bag.
Contact:
For any inquiries about the conference, programme, arrival or accomodation in Zagreb please contact:
tihomir.opetuk@fsb.unizg.hr
maja.trstenjak@fsb.unizg.hr
What to do in Zagreb
Make the most of your conference visit by exploring Zagreb’s historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and the streets around Ban Jelačić Square. Take a walk through the city’s parks, discover its museums and galleries, or enjoy local cuisine and the café culture.
Advent Zagreb will already be open during the conference, running from November 28, 2026 to January 7, 2027. Participants can enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere, seasonal food and drinks, and holiday events alongside their conference activities. Visit the official Advent website for the programme and locations.
Zagreb Tourist Board — sightseeing, accommodation and visitor information: https://www.infozagreb.hr/en/
Advent Zagreb — dates and festive programme: https://www.adventzagreb.hr/en/