Track: Smart Industry
Track chairs
Jurjen Helmus (HvA)
John Bolte (HHS)
Track description
The European—and specifically the Dutch—manufacturing and process industry is under increasing pressure. Very recently the Wennink Rapport has shown us the urgence of fostering our Dutch Industry. In recent years, it has become clear how vulnerable our industrial supply chains are and how important it is to strengthen the strategic autonomy of industry in the Netherlands and Europe.
To remain competitive, agile, and future-proof, the sector must take far-reaching steps in several areas.
Key challenges
The industry is facing a number of structural challenges:
- Robotization & automation: an increasing number of production processes require advanced robotics and collaboration between humans and cobots.
- Circularity: closing material loops and developing sustainable, reusable products.
- Energy transition: reducing energy consumption, managing the use of renewable sources more intelligently, and better modeling energy usage.
- Labor shortages: the lack of technically and digitally skilled workers calls for new solutions, including digital support and automation.
Digitalization and AI as key enablers
Across all these challenges, digitalization, datafication, and artificial intelligence play a central role. From real-time control of industrial systems to predictive maintenance, from digital product passports to AI-driven process optimization, digital technology forms the core of the solutions for the industry of tomorrow.
To address these challenges and accelerate innovation, we invite researchers, industry professionals, and practitioners to submit abstracts for ICT.OPEN2026. We welcome contributions that explore how digital technologies, data, and AI can strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness of the manufacturing and process industry.
Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- AI-driven optimization of industrial processes
- Digital twins and simulation for energy and resource efficiency
- Smart manufacturing, robotics, and human–cobot collaboration
- Data platforms, interoperability, and digital product passports
- Predictive maintenance and asset management
- Digital solutions addressing labor shortages and skills development
Submissions may present applied research, industrial case studies, methodological advances, or visionary perspectives. ICT Open 2026 aims to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, and to showcase innovations that contribute to a future-proof European and Dutch industry.