After the introductory speeches of Prof. Francesco Cupertino, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Bari, Prof. Giuseppe Carbone, Head of the Dept. of Mechanics, Mathematics, and Management of this University, and of Prof. Giovanni Mummolo, IE3 project Coordinator, the conference had contributions by Academic, Companies’ partners as well as of Students.

In the first part of the conference, Need and Gap analyses on higher education in IE&M in the view of I4.0 has been the main theme of the presentations. Need and Gap analyses summarized the extended surveys carried out by partners of the IE3 project across Europe, involving more than 100 academics, 75 differently sized companies, around 550 students and alumni, all stakeholders involved in Industrial Engineering and Management fields of competence.

In the second part, a panel session chaired by prof. Lundquist was held. Outstanding speakers representing all stakeholders (Academics, Companies, Students) contributed to a SWOT analysis identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the renewal process of higher education. The session revealed the utmost importance of a strong and close cooperation between the University and Industrial systems to improve the effectiveness of higher education in IE&M. More than 100 attendees followed the presentations and many of them put questions during the panel session.

Below the program with details of invited speakers and panelists as well as of titles of their contributions.

Giovanni Mummolo