Silesian University of Technology Officially Launches Activities of the Industrial Heritage Demo within HI-EURECA-PRO

The Silesian University of Technology, together with its partners in the HI-EURECA-PRO consortium, has officially launched the activities of the Industrial Heritage Demo. The symbolic inauguration took place during the first HI-EURECA-PRO Seminar, which welcomed a distinguished group of guests—principals and teachers from secondary schools in Gliwice and surrounding towns in the region.

The university formally inaugurated the Industrial Heritage Demonstrator as part of the HI-EURECA-PRO project during the seminar titled “Cultural Heritage, Future Skills, and New Technologies: How to Educate the Next Generation in a Modern Way”, held on May 21 at the Silesian University of Technology Library.

- We are pleased to transition from the preparatory phase of the project to its implementation through concrete initiatives designed for our university staff, doctoral candidates, students, high school pupils, industrial partners, and other stakeholders from our academic and socio-economic environment - said dr. hab. inż. Szymon Ogonowski, Professor at the Silesian University of Technology and coordinator of the HI-EURECA-PRO project at the university.

- We are especially delighted to have shared this moment with principals and teachers from local secondary schools—representatives of the educational community working with the younger generation, which we also hope to reach with our message promoting innovative actions for industrial heritage. Gliwice, along with the broader Upper Silesian metropolitan area, is not only rich in industrial heritage but also stands as a dynamic example of industrial and digital transformation. This makes it a valuable source of best practices and a signal of the technological and societal challenges associated with this process.

In addition to learning about the objectives of the HI-EURECA-PRO project and the opportunities for engagement, participants attended a series of insightful lectures on the cultural heritage of our region, modern teaching methods tailored to the needs of a digitally transforming society, and the concept of LivingLabs as a contemporary tool for education and the presentation of new technologies. Topics included selected educational models suited to the needs of the iGen generation, as well as examples of LivingLab networks co-developed by the Silesian University of Technology. A highlight of the event was a study visit to the Industry 4.0 laboratory and the AGV mobile robots facility located on the university campus.

At the Silesian University of Technology, the HI-EURECA-PRO project focuses on supporting the sustainable transformation of regional industries through responsible and innovative practices. Key initiatives include advanced training programs, industrial internships, and workshops aimed at building globally competitive research talent. The project also fosters cross-sector partnerships and is developing a Digital Transformation Hub to support digital modernization and knowledge exchange. Through strong community engagement and the revitalization of industrial heritage, the Demo Site aims to serve as a model for sustainable innovation and regional development.