Ftpo

However, this success story is not at all a reason to rest on our laurels. We are facing a very dynamic environment that is presenting us with major challenges: Technology is changing constantly and rapidly, technical knowledge becomes quickly obsolete. Industry 4.0 is forcing a paradigm shift in manufacturing and the whole value chain. The transformation from linear to circular economy is socially accepted and is on its way to become a core objective for European Union policy. For the Slovene plastics industry it is mandatory to remain internationally competitive. Highly skilled engineers are urgently needed, but the skill sets they need are changing: Expert Knowledge is still indispensible, but it must be complemented by so-called »soft skills«: The engineer of the future will be more a knowledge miner and knowledge manager than a comprehensive source of factual proficiency. And, last, but not least, the legal and regulatory framework is changing as Slovenia strives to further improve its higher education system. As an engineering faculty, we face specific additional challenges: Despite the very good career perspectives of our graduates, studying engineering is not en vogue - it is sometimes thorny and rocky. Teaching and Research are not possible without significant investments into equipment: Machines and instruments are expensive, they need continuous maintenance and - looking into the future - we need to prepare for a planned replacement before they get outdated and not suitable anymore for state-of-the art science and education. Considering all this it is mandatory to take the time reviewing the existing strategy and amending it with respect to the changes and challenges mentioned. FTPO, its team and its bodies have spent many hours analyzing the current positions and to enable a fertile discussion over the best path for FTPO''s success it will be mandatory to preserve this positive attitude, but also to adjust its organisation to become even more effective and efficient. Although FTPO is and will be a relevant factor in the nation's higher education system, it is located in the Koroška region and will therefore contribute to the region's future development. And, without doubt, FTPO must continue to be the protagonist of higher education in the Koroška region. All these considerations have been integrated into our revised strategy. We are committed to realize this strategy and will work hard to make it happen. We hope that our stakeholders and friends will share our vision and support us in developing FTPO towards an internationally recognized Centre of Excellence for Polymer Technology by providing a vibrant learning environment, inspiring research and outstanding value for partners from industry. Doc. Dr. Thomas Wilhelm,