(March 19, 2025) – Croatia stands on the brink of a transformative global technological shift to reshape the economy and society.
At today’s national forum dedicated to Industry 5.0, this new industrial model’s key challenges, opportunities, and goals were presented.
The forum was organized by our Institute for Industry 5.0, in collaboration with the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Hashnet, Cotrugli Business School, the Multitasking Managers Association – Business Club, ZICER, AI&Gaming EDIH, Educatorium, and partner organizations.
Forum attendees were introduced to the essence of Industry 5.0, which, compared to previous industrial revolutions, places greater emphasis on humans, sustainability, and economic resilience, enabling synergy between advanced technologies and human needs.
Renowned speakers addressed many questions, including why the transition to Industry 5.0 is revolutionary, what changes it brings, and why fears of machine and robot dominance over humans are unfounded.
KEY ASPECTS OF INDUSTRY 5.0
Industry 5.0 is a technological upgrade and a comprehensive shift toward a sustainable and human-centered economy.
At the heart of this new industrial revolution is integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, and the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on reducing the industry’s environmental impact and improving quality of life.
Tadej Slapnik, Director of Hashnet / Institute for Industry 5.0:
“I must emphasize that Croatia has all the necessary conditions to transition to Industry 5.0 successfully. If we seize this industrial revolution’s opportunities and connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, success in developing sustainable and advanced industrial models is guaranteed.”
Antonio Bebek, Acting Director of the Directorate for Industry and Mining, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia:
“Industry 5.0 opens a new phase of development where sustainability, digital transformation, and the human role are at the core of industrial progress. Croatia can leverage this transition to strengthen its competitiveness, resilience, and job creation. The key to our success lies in the collaboration of all stakeholders—from business and science to public policy—to collectively shape a modern, inclusive, and technologically advanced economy.”
INDUSTRY 5.0 AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR CROATIA
Dr. Slavko Vidović, CroSI / Infodom:
“The transition to Industry 5.0 requires understanding and acceptance of changes. Synchronization is of utmost importance, as well as the transition of public administration and social transformation. The way we work, as we know it, is disappearing.
Adaptation and increased creativity will be necessary.
Above all, collaborating with all stakeholders and education will be key to introducing Industry 5.0. We will have to understand so-called ‘Smart Business,’ which can be seen as a journey into the future, where we develop smart solutions and apply them in the present.”
KEY BENEFITS OF INDUSTRY 5.0
Industry 5.0 creates new jobs and drives the green and energy transition. Among its key advantages are:
- Sustainability & Circular Economy – Industry 5.0 enables the reduction of industrial processes’ environmental impact, resource consumption, and CO₂ emissions. Companies that adopt digital twins and other advanced technologies can optimize production while minimizing waste and energy consumption. Developing self-repairing materials, biocomposites, and nanomaterials allows for more sustainable and efficient products. 3D printing and additive manufacturing increase flexibility and reduce waste.
- Personalized Production – Industry 5.0 enables customized production tailored to individual customer needs without increasing costs or reducing production speed.
- Human-Centric Approach – Unlike Industry 4.0, which focuses on automation and connectivity, Industry 5.0 combines AI, robotics, and IoT with human intuition to create smarter and more adaptable production systems. Machines and humans coexist harmoniously. Successful implementation depends on the engagement of all stakeholders.
UPGRADES WITH EU SUPPORT & INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Laura Roman, policy officer at the EU Commission Industry 5.0 unit, facilitating the CoP 5.0 platform, emphasized that the transition to Industry 5.0 will not only be an advantage for Croatia but will also enable the entire EU to achieve better economic results and greater sustainability.
“By encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and robotics, along with new organizational innovations for human-centric businesses, the EU is helping companies transition to more competitive and sustainable business models,” said Laura Roman.
The European Union already supports numerous projects promoting the transition to Industry 5.0, including programs such as Horizon Europe, the Green Deal, and the European Industrial Strategy, which facilitate sustainable growth and development aligned with European goals.
THE POTENTIAL OF INDUSTRY 5.0 FOR CROATIA’S ECONOMY & SOCIETY
Mario Čelan, Director, Educatorium:
“Funds are available. Loans range from a minimum of €100,000 to a maximum of €3,000,000. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to tailor financial resources to their specific needs. In implementing Industry 5.0, communication is key, leading to understanding changes and leveraging opportunities.”
Dr. Karolj Skala, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Mipro:
“Industry 5.0 is the latest in a series of revolutions. It brings changes that make life easier. Technologies continuously create rapid and exponential development, leading to a new societal ecosystem. This development aims to ensure a human-centered quality society while respecting natural resources and humane living conditions. The priority is to create *professional partnerships rather than profit-driven competition at any cost.”
BEST PRACTICES & GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
Industry 5.0 is not limited to Europe, as many countries already implement innovations based on advanced technologies. Numerous small and medium-sized businesses are adopting robotics and IoT to increase productivity and reduce costs.
Urban Pevnik, Director, HIProject / Institute for Industry 5.0:
“We have entered a new era—a revolutionary Industry 5.0, which merges human creativity and technology. International collaboration and constructive networking are crucial for successful implementation. Many companies are unaware that they already operate within Industry 5.0. The key is to strengthen the foundations of Industry 4.0 and upgrade workplaces to put people at the forefront. This *empowers the workforce, eases their work, and accelerates creativity, innovation, and other individual potentials.”
INSTITUTE 5.0 REPRESENTS A LEADING EXPERT CENTER
Boris Šajnović, Director, SKOZI
“Institute 5.0 represents a leading expert center in Industry 5.0, primarily aiming to enhance proprietary technological solutions. It facilitates, supports, and promotes the internationalization of development companies in the research, commercial, and technological sectors.
The institute provides companies access to new technological and applied solutions, fresh knowledge, and innovative use cases. Moreover, it enables the formation of development consortia, which can successfully apply for funding from European funds.
Only internationally oriented consortia have realistic chances of success—both in securing European funding and entering the common commercial market. Together, we can develop a modular yet unified solution that creates the highest added value for the end user.
I am convinced that this is the only true path to a successful future, positioning us at the forefront on a global scale—alongside the world’s largest companies.”
FORUM CONCLUSION & THE FUTURE OF CROATIA
At the forum, a declaration was adopted to accelerate the implementation of Industry 5.0 in Croatia.
The key to Croatia’s successful transition to Industry 5.0 lies in recognizing potential, seizing opportunities, and fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
We are entering a new era—a revolutionary Industry 5.0, where human creativity and technology merge in a future-oriented approach focused on development, sustainability, and innovation.
