“Europe never really gave itself a proper chance,” says Martin Vlachynský from INESS. “Failure analyses have been repeated over and over. There’s a silent consensus that the past 30 years have been marked by rising bureaucracy, energy failures, overreaching green policies, and a bloated welfare state. But somehow, we’re stuck in analysis and not moving forward.”
According to him, Slovakia still doesn’t play a strong role in the region, which is reflected in the low turnout in European Parliament elections. Yet, changes are happening.
Technology, crises, and a new generation are raising questions that can’t be ignored. How do we prepare manufacturing for co-existence with artificial intelligence? What motivates young people to take an interest in technology? How do we create products that are not only high quality but also have a story?
The future of industry starts at home
“The real strength of industry lies in domestic companies with their own capital,” says Libor Witassek from Strojcar. These types of companies — deeply rooted in local regions — have the potential to change the game. Not the ones chasing cheaper labor abroad, but those in contact with customers, producing final products, and able to engage young people — those who don’t just want to ‘push buttons’ but understand why they do it.
Ľubomír Švec from ŠVEC GROUP puts it bluntly: “We lack young people in mechanical engineering. Not because they’re not interested — but because they know nothing about it.”
Today’s production halls are not dirty workshops like they used to be — they are clean, technologically advanced spaces full of robotics, programming, and automation. That’s why we must start as early as primary school — showing technology to both kids and parents, breaking stereotypes, and opening doors.
Digitalization? First, get organized
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing how we work. How do we prepare companies for new roles, train employees with digital skills, and teach people to collaborate with AI tools already used in production?
Lenka Sluková from TECHNODAT says it clearly: “Many companies still work in Word documents saved in folders.” If we want to talk about AI in manufacturing, buying new software is not enough. Data needs to be clean, processes set up properly, and there must be a willingness to change how we work. Only then will technology deliver real value.
And what about sustainability?
It’s not just a directive from Brussels — it’s an opportunity. Martin Vlachynský emphasizes that the climate crisis is real. “We shouldn’t be running from the peloton — we should be in front.” Every further reduction in emissions may mean higher costs and lower impact — unless big countries like China and the U.S. get involved.
Still, it makes sense to find ways to extend product lifespans, reduce ecological footprints, and increase value for customers.
The future of industry emerges where the rules are being rewritten
These are exactly the topics we’ll explore during the 6th edition of the INOFEST festival, taking place on September 23–24, 2025, at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology STU in Trnava. The festival will again bring together people from business, science, education, local government, and startups. Expect open discussions, practical workshops, and expo zones where participants can exchange experiences, ideas, and inspiration.
This year’s edition will focus on the fundamental challenges shaping European industry. One of the key themes will be engineering and manufacturing — how to find a balance between returning to technical roots and the urgent need for rapid innovation. In an era where we must develop new solutions faster than ever, agility and cross-functional teamwork will be essential.
In discussions about new manufacturing concepts, we’ll look at how companies are applying Lean, Agile, and Industry 4.0 principles. We’ll explore how these approaches are changing how businesses think, produce, and respond to change.
And yes — we’ll also talk about business in space. The space industry is no longer reserved for defense and aerospace. Today, IT firms, manufacturing companies, and material innovators have real opportunities to enter the rapidly growing space economy. And we’ll be there to witness it.
The future of Slovak industry won’t be decided in Brussels or foreign headquarters. It will be decided at home — among companies, schools, experts, and communities who are ready to find new answers to old questions. If change is to come, it won’t start from the top. It will start where people ask questions, seek answers, and dare to do things differently. Want to be part of INOFEST? →
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTOS: INOVATO, Technodat, Švec Group
