A STRATEGIC ROADMAP TOWARDS THE NEXT LEVEL OF
INTELLIGENT, SUSTAINABLE AND HUMAN-CENTRED SMEs

The Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, led by Asst. Prof. Wapee Manopiniwes, coordinated an industrial visit to Meshtec International Co., Ltd., a world-leading manufacturer of high-tensile stainless-steel security mesh and innovative screening solutions, with European researchers Matteo De Marchi and Marco Lanzone from UNIBZ, Italy, and Marco Berger from TU Graz, Austria.

During the visit, the participants observed Meshtec’s manufacturing operations and discussed recent technological developments within the company. These included the installation of a new powder coating line that is among the most advanced in Asia, the introduction of robotics and automation, and the implementation of patented fabrication automation. These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainable production.

The visit also provided an opportunity for technical exchange on production management, digital transformation, and the role of applied research in supporting manufacturing SMEs. This activity was conducted as part of the SME5.0 initiative, facilitating knowledge exchange between European researchers and Thai industry.

While on my secondment at TUGraz, i had opportunity to hold research discussion with Dr. Philipp Eisele, area manager of Pro2Future research center that focuses on products and production systems of the future. The research discussion was very fruitful and I am hopeful that it has a potential to lead to continued research collaboration between KTH and Pro2Future.

Wrapping up an incredible month abroad at Chiang Mai University (CMU)! 🌍✨ A not only enriching experience but also absolutely unforgettable, thanks to the beautiful location and the collaboration between the Chiang Mai University and our Libera Università di Bolzano.

A big thank you to everyone who made this collaboration so fruitful, especially to Asja Emer, my partner in adventure and research, for making this month unforgettable in every way!

On to the next chapter! 🚀

The secondment lasted for 1 month 17 Nov to 16 Dec 2025 at Graz University of Technology. The secondment was hosted by Prof. Dr. Franz Haas, dean of the faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Through this secondment, I had possibility to explore the different research undertakings of research groups and labs under the institute of manufacturing engineering (IFT) and had discussions on ongoing SEM5.0 research work with colleagues from the Institute of Business Economics and Industrial Sociology (BWL).
I would like to extend my special gratitude to my secondment hosts at TUGraz Prof. Dr. Franz Haas, Dr. Rudolf Pichler, Prof. Dr. Bernd Markus Zunk, Dr. Volker Koch, Mr. Martin Scharf.