A new European initiative, with the participation of Corvinus University of Budapest as Hungary’s sole partner, has been launched to strengthen the spread of Industry 5.0 across Central and Eastern Europe. Industry 5.0 builds on partnership between humans and machines, aiming to advance ethical, sustainable, and people-centred technologies. 

Industry 5.0 focuses on applying technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and augmented reality in ways that place people at the centre. The recently launched Horizon Europe project CITADELS seeks to ensure that these technologies evolve not only technologically but also responsibly from a social and economic perspective in the Central and Eastern European region. 

Researchers from nine countries are working together to support applied industrial research and innovation, while fostering the development of DeepTech technologies that rely heavily on scientific and engineering advances. The project explores how to best train experts, promote knowledge sharing, encourage local innovation, and strengthen cooperation between academia and industry. 

Running until 2029, the project is led by the University of Belgrade and brings together universities, research institutes, and companies from Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, and Hungary. The consortium’s ambition is not only for Central and Eastern Europe to catch up, but to play an active role in shaping industrial and social trends. 

“As the only Hungarian partner, Corvinus University of Budapest will examine how responsible and human-centred DeepTech industrial practices can be developed, while also engaging industry stakeholders in joint work. We will also contribute by developing teaching materials, organising events and training programmes, and strengthening innovation potential in order to retain talented researchers and engineers in the region,” said Prof. Dr. Lilla Vicsek, Professor at Corvinus University and national lead of the research. 

The CITADELS project (Cultivating Industry 5.0 Talents: Academia-industry collaboration and empowerment through accessible DEep technoLogieS) is supported by the Horizon Europe framework and Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Office. It has also been designated as one of the EU Danube Region Strategy’s flagship “Lighthouse” initiatives. 

The project 2025-3.1.2-KÖA-2025-00017 is funded by Hungary’s Ministry of Culture and Innovation through the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, under the “2025-3.1.2-KÖA – Governmental Co-Financing Fund” scheme.