Between 8 and 11 April, the University of Burgos (UBU) hosted 26 participants, including professors, researchers, and students from the eight entities that make up RUN-EU, as part of its EPA Mission. Their goal was to explore Smart Sustainable Manufacturing (SSM) through a holistic approach that integrates technical, economic, social, and environmental perspectives.

In a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, organised around participatory, inclusive, and dynamic methodologies, participants worked together to develop four learning opportunities focused on more efficient, innovative, and sustainable manufacturing practices. These initiatives aimed to address existing educational, labour, and research needs at a regional level within the RUN-EU framework.

Guided by the expert advice of UBU researchers and the knowledge and experience of various stakeholders from Burgos’ industrial sector, attendees designed their training actions by addressing three key questions in the field of SSM: What regional challenges do RUN-EU partners face? What are the skill requirements of the current and future workforce? And what can the partners offer to address both aspects?

The outcome of this intensive work was presented by the different groups to representatives of the UBU Governing Team and other RUN-EU partner entities, as well as some of the industrial agents who had collaborated with them in the preceding days. The exchange of ideas and feedback contributed to enhancing these already promising training initiatives.

With the in-person work completed, the next step is to ensure the continuity of these groups in the coming months to implement the four actions. Additionally, the collaboration of all participants—both attendees and organisers—as well as distinguished public and technological partners, such as the Honorable City Council of Burgos, ProBurgos, Grupo Antolín, Benteler, the Castilla y León Technological Institute (ITCL), IOThing, and Susana Navarro, is sincerely appreciated.

UBU and RUN-EU will continue working to build on the success of this EPA Mission.