YML Summit took place on 15 October 2024 from Big Theatre at MIND – Milano Innovation District
The 4th edition of the YML Network Summit concluded with a captivating and dynamic afternoon of insightful discussions and presentations within that tackled these topics from the point of view of Industry, Academia, and of course Young People from Big Theatre at MIND Milano Innovation District, in Milan.
The summit opened with an introduction by Diego Andreis, President of the World Manufacturing Foundation, and Marco Taisch, Scientific Chairman of the World Manufacturing Foundation. They highlighted the challenges and opportunities awaiting the manufacturing sector, stressing the pivotal role of technology in building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Held alongside the World Manufacturing Forum, an initiative by the World Manufacturing Foundation, the 2024 YML Summit reflected the Forum’s central theme, “New perspectives for the future of manufacturing: Outlook 2030.”
Greta Braun, Ph.D. candidate at Chalmers University of Technology and Industry 5.0 expert for the European Commission, addressed the audience, underscoring the importance of global youth collaboration in building a resilient and sustainable industry. She introduced a special European Commission video, “Industry 5.0 – European Perspective,” produced by Liviu Stirbat, Head of Unit Industry 5.0 and AI in Science.
Following this, the keynote “Industry 5.0 – Towards a Sustainable, Human-Centric, and Resilient Manufacturing Sector” was delivered by Sonia Mota Prego, Head of SC Projects Development at EssilorLuxottica.
The summit featured two insightful panels, each addressing key themes for sustainable, human-centric manufacturing:
- Panel I: “Inseparable Binomial: Digital Technology and Circular Economy for Sustainable Manufacturing”
Speakers Seda Tosun (IMMERSIA), Charlie Ohlen (Mentalycis), Clarissa Gonzalez (Chalmers University of Technology), and Vasiliki Panagiotopoulou (University of Patras) explored strategies to optimize production, reduce waste, and embrace environmentally respectful models through the synergy of digital technology and circular economy. - Panel II: “Perfect Binomial: Skills Development & Technology Leverage for Human-Centred Manufacturing”
Daniele Ramirez (AGADE), Roberto Rossi (Smart Robots), Matteo Valoriani (FifthIngeniumm), and Anastassiya Zabudkina (LENTIC) highlighted the integration of advanced technologies with skill development to enhance productivity and well-being in the industry.
Both panels emphasized innovation, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to a smart, sustainable, and tech-driven future.
Meet the winners of the YML Contests!
YML Contest for the 2024 World Manufacturing Report
David Romero, Scientific Vice-Chairman at the World Manufacturing Foundation and Antonella D’Urso, Project and Event Officer at the World Manufacturing Foundation, awarded the best four essays published in the 2024 World Manufacturing Report “New perspectives for the future of manufacturing: Outlook 2030”:
- Sandra Jaksicfor her essay “Addressing Environmental Tipping Points Through Technological Advancements and Societal Changes.”
- Patrick Bründl for his essay “Tackling environmental and socio-economic tipping points in manufacturing: The power of geometric deep learning to overcome labour shortages and automate recycling.”
- Siyuan Chen or his essay “Leveraging Generative AI for Smart Maintenance: Navigating Technological Tipping Points in Manufacturing.”
- Miran Ghafoori or his essay “Preparing Manufacturing Leaders to Navigate Social and Environmental Tipping Points”.
YML European Innovation Contest: “Youth Leading Sustainable Manufacturing”
Awards were presented by Lucie Hlavůňková, Ph.D. student at the Czech Technical University of Prague, Valeria Tirelli, CEO of AIDRO, and Ilaria Ardizzoia, co-owner of 3ntr Additive Manufacturing System and Ambassador of Women in 3D Printing:
1ST PLACE: Astrid Enerbäck and Hiyab Araia for their project “AI mentor”.
2nd PLACE: Tomáš Dub and Vladimír Křížek their project “Recuperation of waste heat”.
3rd PLACE: Ludovica Bina, Gianluca Bonardi and Marta Barbisan for their project “The Next Frontier in Employee Protection: Smartwatch Integration”.
ENPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS: EIT Manufacturing Master School
The EIT Manufacturing Master School Welcome Ceremony began with an inspiring keynote by Audrey Stolze, Director of Education & Training at EIT Manufacturing, titled “Connecting the dots: Future Skills, Manufacturers’ Needs and Entrepreneurialism.” Audrey then moderated a fireside chat, “The Academic Formation of Future Manufacturing Leaders,” featuring Derin Gurman (EIT Manufacturing Graduate Student), Donatella Corti (Associate Professor, SUPSI), and Ebuka Nwafornso (EIT Manufacturing Master’s Student). The session concluded with a group photo of the Master School students, capturing the spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm for the future of manufacturing leadership.
After a day filled with insightful panels and celebratory moments, the YML Summit 2024 concluded with thought-provoking remarks from Sona Arevshatyan, EU Project Manager at MADE Competence Center Industria 4.0, and Shahrzad Sajjadivand, Ph.D. student at University College Dublin. They shared their perspectives on the future of manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the industry’s path forward.
