On 27 November 2025, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture at the University of Zagreb (FSB) hosted the inaugural Forum of Slovenian and Croatian Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, titled ‘Academia and Economy Without Borders’. This event was organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maribor and the FSB Zagreb, under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Zagreb and the Slovenian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana was represented at the Forum by its Dean, prof. dr. Jernej Klemenc, who participated in a panel with deans from mechanical engineering faculties in Slovenia and Croatia.
Photo: Archive of the Forum of Slovenian and Croatian Faculties of Mechanical Engineering
Forum dedicated to connecting academia and economy
The forum was designed to bring together leading representatives from the academic and industrial communities in Slovenia and Croatia. The event aimed to strengthen the relationship between the faculties of mechanical engineering and the economy sector, encourage the exchange of knowledge, and develop solutions to the challenges facing modern mechanical engineering education. The main event of the forum was a panel with deans of the mechanical engineering faculties in Slovenia and Croatia. Deans of faculties from Ljubljana, Maribor, Split, Rijeka, Slavonski Brod, and Zagreb participated in the panel.
Prof. Dr. Jernej Klemenc and his fellow deans discussed the relevance of study programmes in relation to industry needs and green/digital transformation. They also discussed the involvement of companies in the study process, ranging from guest expert contributions to project-based learning and internships. Finally, they discussed the possibilities for joint research and development projects between Slovenian and Croatian faculties and industry partners.
Photo: Archive of the Forum of Slovenian and Croatian Faculties of Mechanical Engineering
During the discussion, Prof. Dr. Jernej Klemenc emphasised the importance of cooperation between knowledge institutions and the economy for the long-term development of mechanical engineering in the region, in terms of both science and research, and specific projects that are essential for developing modern infrastructure solutions.
Through this collaboration, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana has demonstrated its commitment to remaining an active partner in developing a shared research and educational landscape in mechanical engineering across the region. This first such event marks the start of establishing a stronger strategic partnership in the region, with the aim of exchanging good practices and encouraging collaboration across the wider European research landscape.
Photo: Archive of the Forum of Slovenian and Croatian Faculties of Mechanical Engineering