Members of the ' Industry 4.h Chair, supported by Grenoble INP Foundation through sponsorship from Caterpillar Foundation, gathered in Liège on March 30 and 31, 2026, for their annual meeting. Over the course of these two days, they reviewed the results of the past three years and discussed future prospects and projects.
An innovative training program at the heart of the discussions
On this occasion, an innovative training program was presented. Structured around four modules, each led by a European partner, this program offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges facing the industry of the future. In particular, it addresses organizational and managerial transformations, with a special focus on sustainability and predictive maintenance. The program relies on interactive teaching formats, such as serious games, brainstorming workshops, and collaborative discussion sessions. Teachers and mentors who participated in the program also shared their feedback, providing concrete examples of the benefits of this approach.
An in-depth look at industrial practices
The meeting also included a visit to a Safran Group company in the Wallonia region that has been designated a “Factory of the Future.” This immersive experience allowed participants to explore advanced production processes, modern and connected workstations, and concrete examples of Industry 4.0 technology applications. Discussions with the digital transformation leadership team provided an opportunity to address the challenges of these transformations, particularly from the perspective of training and skills.
A shared vision for the years ahead
The two-day event concluded with discussions focused on ongoing projects and future collaborations, helping to strengthen the Chair’s collective momentum. This meeting thus reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to continuing to develop joint projects closely aligned with the challenges of industrial and educational transformation.
