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

Had a valuable opportunity to visit AVL as part of the EU SME 5.0 Project. It was an inspiring experience to learn more about one of the world’s leading mobility technology companies and its role in shaping the future of sustainable and intelligent mobility. AVL is internationally recognized for its work in automotive engineering, e-mobility, simulation, testing technologies, and innovative mobility systems.

During the visit, we had the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about AVL’s market presence in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, and the growing opportunities within the region’s automotive and mobility sectors.

This visit was not only a great learning experience, but also an important step toward strengthening future collaboration between AVL and Chiang Mai University in areas such as innovation, sustainability, research, and industry engagement.

Special thanks to the TU Graz team for arranging this valuable company visit and creating opportunities for meaningful international collaboration between academia and industry.

Thank you to the AVL team for the warm welcome and insightful discussions. Looking forward to future collaboration opportunities in the future.

Have a wonderful opportunity to visit TU Graz once again under the EU SME 5.0 Project. It was a pleasure to be warmly welcomed by Professor Volker Koch.

The SME 5.0 project highlights the importance of creating intelligent, sustainable, and human-centered SMEs by integrating technology, sustainability, and people-focused innovation. The visit provides valuable insights into how universities and international collaborations can contribute to shaping future-ready organizations and supporting sustainable business development.

We truly appreciate the warm hospitality and inspiring discussions at TU Graz. Looking forward to future collaborations and continued knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

During my SME5.0 secondment at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Malta from 28 April to 18 May 2026, I had the opportunity to hold a research session with the PhD students in Prof. Francalanza’s research group on the topic of ‘Current techno-economic research projects on digital and green transformation at TU Graz’. I would like to express my sincere thanks to my host, Prof. Francalanza, and his excellent team for the fruitful and forward-looking discussion, which took place together with the great research group from Chiang Mai University (CMU). 

• Meet Prof. Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza for discussing the SME 5.0 project activities at UM.
• Visit sMart And Sustainable InClusive WOrksTation (MASCOT) - the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at UM and have a meeting with the MASCOT team’s members.
• Join a mini seminar with the SME 5.0 project partners from Austria, Portugal, and Malta.
• Official meeting with the Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer, the University of Malta.