New Scientific Monograph on Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0 in Europe

Proud of the research achievements of our CEKROG team

At Rudolfovo – Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto, we are pleased and proud to announce the publication of the new scientific monograph Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0 in Europe, published by the internationally renowned publisher Routledge as part of its Regions and Cities series.

The monograph is authored by Erika Džajić Uršič, Tamara Besednjak Valič, Alenka Pandiloska Jurak and Urška Fric. Their research is closely connected to the topics developed at Rudolfovo within the Centre for Social and Technological Transformations and Circularity – CEKROG.

The book addresses one of the central challenges of contemporary European development: how to connect digital transformation, Industry 4.0 and sustainable development.

The authors examine how Industry 4.0 technologies – including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, advanced data systems and smart manufacturing – can be embedded within the European sustainability framework. Particular attention is devoted to the European Green Deal and climate-neutrality objectives, circular economy approaches and good practices from Slovenia, the socio-economic implications of the green transition, and the transformative potential of cultural and creative industries.

A central message of the monograph is that technological innovation alone is not enough. A successful green and digital transition also requires coordinated governance, social investment, sensitivity to regional differences, and stronger connections between technology, the economy, society and public policy.

These topics are closely aligned with the research mission of CEKROG, which focuses on the circular economy, industrial symbiosis, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, life cycle assessment, and policies and methodological approaches for evaluating and monitoring the transition towards a circular economy.

Congratulations to the authors. Their achievement is also an important recognition of Rudolfovo’s research excellence and of our contribution to European debates on a sustainable, digital and inclusive future.

📘 Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0 in EuropeErika Džajić Uršič, Tamara Besednjak Valič, Alenka Pandiloska Jurak, Urška FricRoutledge, 2026