UCIF Informs © AdobeStock
Authoritative Sources of Updates and the Role of a Trade Association Manuela Casali UCIF – Italian Surface Treatment Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, Milan, Italy
info@ucif.net
The industrial world is constantly evolving. Every day, we receive updates, news, and ideas from the outside world that invite us to explore different topics. At the same time, however, it is often difficult to identify the right information and be sure that its sources are reliable and truthful. Authoritative references are needed to understand the changes taking place, not only in terms of technology but also of strategy and approach.
B
ack in 2011, people started talking about Industry 4.0. Ever since
According to the European Union, this new approach responds to three
then, it was clear to everyone what was the new paradigm, as
of the priorities defined by the Commission: “An economy that works for
an evolutionary moment in the industrial sector characterised
people”, “European Green Deal”, and “Europe fit for the digital age”.
by advanced automation, interconnection, Internet of Things, Big Data,
Every two years, the Italian Surface Treatment Equipment Manufacturers’
and Artificial Intelligence. Today, we are witnessing a further evolution
Association (UCIF) holds a conference to examine, analyse, and interpret
of this paradigm that has prevailed for the last thirteen years, which
the new paradigms from a production perspective. Technology, products,
can be interpreted as the beginning of a new industrial era where the
research, and the future of companies working in the surface finishing
human being is at the centre of the production system while maintaining
and treatment sector are discussed here. The objective is to present
automation and interconnection as crucial pillars.
the latest technologies in terms of sustainability, circular economy, and
The European Union has defined it as Industry 5.0, emphasising that the
digitalisation of processes where humans, with their unique talents
European industry itself is a key factor in today’s economic and social
(creativity, critical judgment, intuition), remain at the centre of a new
changes and that it must lead the digital and energy transition. This
business model combining their skills with those of machines (precision,
approach provides a vision of the industry that goes beyond efficiency
efficiency, data analysis).
and productivity as the only goals and reinforces its role and contribution
This year, the conference will be the third edition of S.M.A.R.T., an
within society. Worker welfare is placed at the centre of production
acronym for Surface|Manufacturing|Advanced|Research|Trends, to
processes. New technologies must ensure prosperity as well as
be held on 22 May at the Fondazione Cariplo Conference Centre in
employment and growth, within the limits of planet Earth. Research and
Milan (see page 132). You are welcome to apply to submit a report that
innovation, the focal points of Industry 4.0, are integrated and put at the
meets our requirements: being sustainability-focused and illustrating the
service of the transition towards a sensitive, human-centred industry .
adoption of sustainable production practices or advanced technologies
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that help companies reduce their environmental impact while improving https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/industrial-research-and-innovation/industry-50_en#award
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efficiency and productivity.