The event took place in Portugal for the first time, with close to 250 participants from 30 countries. The 33rd edition of the IAMOT (International Association for Management of Technology) Conference set out to discuss the role of technology in implementing sustainable, people-centred practices to address social, environmental, and economic challenges. The event also strengthened international cooperation, ensured advances in technological knowledge and gave the country a global projection.
Between July 8 and 11, Alfândega do Porto hosted a multidisciplinary and multilingual experience. IAMOT 2024 kicked off after about a year of work that brought together INESC TEC and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) behind the organisation. The packed agenda included internationally renowned keynote speakers, and roundtables focused on sustainability practices in the Industry and Industry 5.0.
At the end of the conference, Ana Simões, researcher at INESC TEC and Co-chair of IAMOT 2024, stated that “it was a unique opportunity for Portuguese academics and professionals, and in particular for INESC TEC researchers, because it allowed to welcome researchers and experts in technology management from around the world – as well as major players in the Portuguese industry – to discuss topics relevant to the advancement of science and technology”.
The participation of companies like Colep, Simoldes, SmurfitKappa and BA Glass, the technical visits that took place within the scope of the conference (to the Superbock Group, Addvolt, INESC TEC Industry and Innovation Laboratory [iilab], and Porto Design Factory), and the “Industrial Corner” – where the sponsoring companies (Amorim Corks, BA Glass, Smurfit Kappa and Simoldes) had the opportunity to show the work they develop – added significant value to the Conference; according to Ana Simões, “we took the name of Portugal even further as a synonym for innovation, sustainability and advanced technology”.
Over the course of four days the participants had the chance to identify the main challenges, opportunities, models and proposals for innovation, to boost the scientific and technological progress closely associated with the main theme of the event. Something quite clear through the conclusions of this initiative.
Among keynote speaker presentations and roundtables, attendees were able to understand that supply-chain operations management must be adapted to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices, supported by robust policies; creativity and design are crucial to develop sustainable practices and products that meet current needs without compromising the future; and that technologies must be developed considering values and human ethics, promoting well-being and inclusion. In addition, the adoption of sustainable practices in industries, through technologies to create circular value chains and reduce CO2, is vital to the future, making it clear that sustainability is an undeniable priority in technological development.
Combining the development and implementation of technologies considering people’s needs and quality of life is something that João Claro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of INESC TEC (also Co-chair of IAMOT 2024) perceives as essential. “The plethora of ideas shared at the conference, and the generosity and commitment of all participants, were truly exciting”, he said. “We addressed critical topics like digital transformation and sustainability, but sought to highlight a people-centred approach, and the collaboration in building innovative solutions to global challenges. We all left the event with reinforced motivation and clear notions on how to advance the management of technology at the service of people and a better future”, he mentioned.
IAMOT is an international organisation founded in 1992 that promotes advances in education, research, and technology management. The annual conference was organised in Portugal for the first time; and, according to Ana Simões, “the country and INESC TEC gained global prominence by becoming a central hub for the sharing and dissemination of outlooks, ideas and guidelines for a future where technology, people and sustainability are integrated and developed in synergy”.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC and UP-FEUP.
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