ST001 - Special Track: Data-Driven and Impact-Oriented Entrepreneurship Research

Chair: Dr. Kevin Reuther - University, Fraunhofer IMW
Co-Chair: Prof. Yngve Dahle - University of South-Eastern Norway, Fraunhofer IMW

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 10 April 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 25 April 2024

Description:

Entrepreneurship constitutes an important factor for economic growth, societal progression as well as individual self-realization. It is broadly defined as an activity that involves the discovery, evaluation and exploitation of opportunities to introduce new goods and services, ways of organizing, markets, processes, and raw materials. In recent years, there has been an increasing call for data-driven and evidence-based research to help understanding how entrepreneurial activities can best be supported, what components and surrounding factors make successful entrepreneurial ecosystems and what established companies can learn from entrepreneurial activities. Moreover, the exploration of opportunities from emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, etc.) has gained traction, investigating how deep tech start-ups contribute to solving complex social and environmental challenges such as climate change, human health, advances systems and infrastructure. This special track comprises four sessions focusing on different areas in the entrepreneurship research field. Each session invites high-quality papers contributing to data-driven and impact-oriented research in the entrepreneurship field using new methods, novel datasets or novel perspectives on established datasets and focusing on the impact generated by or for the entrepreneurial activities to be investigated.

• SS001 - Entrepreneurial Ecosystems & Entrepreneurship Support

  Co-Chairs: Prof. Christina Ungerer - HTWG Konstanz & Prof. Yngve Dahle - University of South-Eastern Norway

• SS002 - Innovations in Entrepreneurship Education & Training

  Co-Chairs: Prof. Erich Heumüller & Prof. Sebastian Richter - Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart

• SS003 - Deep-Tech Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

  Co-Chairs: Prof. Utz Dornberger & Dr. Kevin Reuther - Leipzig University

• SS004 - Corporate Entrepreneurship, Startup Collaborations & Intrapreneurship

  Co-Chairs: Prof. Guido Baltes & Christina Lang - Institute for Strategic Innovation and Technology Management (IST), HTWG Konstanz

Review Committee:

• Johnston, James - University of the West of Scotland
• Reuther, Kevin - Leipzig University
• Dahle, Yngve - University of South-Eastern Norway
• Ungerer, Christina - HTWG Konstanz
• Heumüller, Erich - DHBW Stuttgart
• Dornberger, Utz - Leipzig University
• Baltes, Guido - IST Institute
• Villani, Elisa - Università di Bologna
• Yaw Akomea, Samuel - Kwame Nkrumah University
• Un Nabi, Md. Noor - Khulna University
• Weiße, Marlen - Fraunhofer IMW
• Preissler, Steffen - Fraunhofer IMW
• Posselt, Thorsten - Fraunhofer IMW
• Richter, Sebastian - DHBW Stuttgart
• Yatich, Henry - Mt. Kenya University
• Barriaga, Pablo - Leipzig University

SS005 - Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Practices in Industrial Automation and Robotics

Shaping the Next Generation of Smart Factories

Chair: Prof. Andre Rocha - NOVA University of Lisbon
Co-Chairs: Prof. José Barata & Dr. Sanaz Nikghdam-Hojjati - NOVA University of Lisbon

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 30 April 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 16 May 2024

Description:

This special session explores the transformative potential of Industry 5.0, focusing on integrating advanced robotics and industrial automation technologies. As we stand in an era of a new industrial revolution, the emphasis shifts towards a human-centric approach in manufacturing processes, blending the strengths of human creativity and intuition with the efficiency and precision of machines. This session explores the synergies between sustainable manufacturing practices and the latest advancements in robotics and automation, highlighting innovative strategies to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• The Role of Robotics in Industry 5.0
• Creative Robotics in Industry 5.0
• Human-Centric Approaches to Robotics and Automation
• Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
• Technological Innovations for Industry 5.0
• Technological Synergies for a Sustainable Future

Review Committee:

• André Rocha - UNINOVA
• José Barata - UNINOVA
• Sanaz Nikghadam - UNINOVA
• Luís Ribeiro - Linköping University
• Nelson Rodrigues - DTx
• Pedro Ferreira - Loughborough University
• Francesco Lupi - Università di Pisa
• Nelson Freitas - UNINOVA
• Miguel Arvana - UNINOVA
• Aniko Costa - NOVA FCT

SS006 - Digital Transformation Cybersecurity and Privacy in Modern Era

Strategies and Proposals for Harmonizing Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Privacy in the Evolving Digital Landscape

Chair: Dr. Eda Marchetti - ISTI-CNR
Co-Chairs: Dr. Sanaz Nikghdam-Hojjati - UNINOVA & Prof. José Barata - NOVA University of Lisbon & Dr. Antonello Calabrò - ISTI-CNR

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 30 April 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 16 May 2024

Description:

Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, and Privacy in the Modern Era provides a cutting-edge platform for researchers and practitioners to explore new research directions at the intersection of technology's evolution, robust cybersecurity strategies, and the imperative to safeguard individual privacy. Novel research solutions and proposals for addressing this emerging environment's dynamic challenges and opportunities are becoming an urgent need. This special session deals with the issue challenge and solutions for improving and leveraging Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, and Privacy in the Modern Era. Researchers, practitioners, and experts are invited to contribute original (work in progress) proposals for the dynamic interplay between digital transformation, cybersecurity, and privacy in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Suggested topics are (but not limited to):

• Digital Transformation Strategies and Frameworks
• Cybersecurity and privacy proposal and solution
• AI and Emerging Technologies
• Regulatory Compliance and Legal Aspects
• Human centred and ethical development
• Software engineering best practices
• Security-by-design
• Testing, verification and validation
• Quality management and monitoring
• Authorization, Authentication and Accountability
• Big Data security
• Blockchain and Distributed Ledgers
• Cyber education and training
• Digital forensics
• Hardware and device security
• Risks management and vulnerability detection
• Cybersecurity management and governance
• Trust Management and Assurance
• Business Management

Review Committee:

• Andrea De Angelis - ISTI-CNR
• Ana Ines Oliveira - UNINOVA
• Filipa Ferrada - UNINOVA
• Andre Rocha - UNINOVA
• Cosmin Sabo - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Nadia Barkoczi - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Thomas Schuster - Pforzheim University
• Lukas Waidelich - Pforzheim University
• Petrica Pos Sitar - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Oum-El-Kheir Aktouf - LCIS

SS007 - Smart Farms, Smarter Future: Integrating Digital Technologies in Agricultural Practices

Transforming Agriculture Through Innovation, Sustainability, and Human-centric, and Precision

Chair: Dr. Sanaz Nikghdam-Hojjati - UNINOVA
Co-Chairs: Prof. José Barata & Prof. Andre Rocha - NOVA University of Lisbon & Dr. Eda Marchetti - ISTI-CNR

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 30 April 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 16 May 2024

Description:

In this age of rapid technological advancement, the integration of digital solutions has revolutionized agricultural practices worldwide. From precision farming and automated machinery to data-driven decision-making and remote monitoring, farms are becoming increasingly interconnected and intelligent. This integration allows farmers to optimize resource usage, streamline operations, and enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. This session is a gateway into the dynamic landscape where traditional farming harmoniously meets state-of-the-art digital technologies. It is designed to spark engaging discussions, foster collaborations, and inspire a collective vision for a smarter, more sustainable future in agriculture. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Precision Agriculture Technologies
• Internet of Everything (IoE) Applications in Agriculture
• Data Analytics for Optimizing Crop Management
• Automation and Robotics in Farming
• Smart Irrigation Systems for Water Management
• Blockchain Technology in Agri-Food Supply Chain
• Digital Livestock Monitoring and Management
• Climate Smart Agriculture Solutions
• Mobile Applications for Farmers' Decision Support
• Cybersecurity Measures in Smart Agriculture
• Emerging Agri-Tech Startups and Innovations
• Human-Machine Collaboration in Agricultural Practices
• Security Challenges in Precision Agriculture
• Human-Centred Design in Agri-Innovation
• Social Implications of Agricultural Automation
• Immersive Farming
• Human Behaviour in Smart Farming
• Gender Responsive Digital Transformation in Agricultural Practices

Review Committee:

• Ana Ines Oliveira - UNINOVA
• Filipa Ferrada - UNINOVA
• Aniko Costa - NOVA FCT
• Jose Silvestre - INIAV
• Catia Pinto - Smart Farm CoLab
• Petrica Pop Sitar - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Corina Pop Sitar - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Cosmin Sabo - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Nadia Barkoczi - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Antonello Calabró - ISTI-CNR

SS008 - Enabling technologies and processes for energy communities uptake

Chair: Dr. Filipe Neves Silva - EDP-LABELEC
Co-Chair: Prof. Nuno Amaro - UNINOVA

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 21 April 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 1 May 2024
• Camera ready: 15 May 2024

Description:

This special session deals with the problem of lack of dissemination of technical solutions and processes to foster the development of energy communities. It aims at allowing authors to present innovative solutions and processes that could be applied in the scope of energy communities, contributing to the acceptance and user engagement of this important contribution to the ongoing energy transition.

Review Committee:

• Filipe Neves Silva - EDP-LABELEC
• Humberto Queiroz - EDP-NEW
• Nuno Amaro - UNINOVA
• Rui Amaral Lopes - UNINOVA
• Sheila Sánchez Mínguez - ETRA
• Laura Bordo - RINA
• Nikolaos Nikolopoulos - CERTH
• Christos Timplalexis - CERTH-ITI

SS009 - How EU Projects Foster Innovation and Capacity in Europe

Innovation and Capacity Building for a Sustainable Future

Chair: Dr. Paresh Rathod - Thematic Leader, Laurea University of Applied Sciences
Co-Chair: Prof. Dr Kai Rannenberg - Chair of Mobile Business & Multilateral Security, Goethe University Frankfurt

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 1 May 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 8 May 2024
• Camera ready: 16 May 2024

Description:

The session will showcase the role of EU projects in propelling Europe's technological leadership in a way that fosters a secure and sustainable future. This special session aims to explore how EU innovation projects act as a catalyst for:

• Fostering innovation in diverse sectors: We will investigate how EU projects support the development and implementation of novel solutions that leverage digital technologies, addressing challenges in sustainability, healthcare, security, and beyond.
• Building capacity for a secure and sustainable future: This session will analyse how EU projects contribute to enhancing research and development capabilities within Europe, focusing on areas critical for a secure and sustainable future, such as cybersecurity, responsible AI development, and clean energy technologies.
• Achieving a balance between innovation and security: We will explore how EU projects navigate the potential risks associated with emerging technologies while promoting advancement for a secure society.

This special session will bring together researchers, educators, and industry practitioners to share their expertise and insights on the latest trends under the flagship of the EU Innovation projects including CyberSecPro, DYNAMO, EU-CIP, NERO, FAITH, THEMIS 5, CUSTODES and many others.

Technical & Review Committee:

• Prof. Christos Douligeris - Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus
• Dr. Cristina Alcaraz - Department of Computer Science, University of Malaga
• Dr. Elias Athanasopoulos - Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus
• Dr. Harri Ruoslahti - Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Dr. Jyri Rajamäki - Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Dr. Kitty Kioskli - Trustilio B.V & School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex
• Prof. Nineta Polemi - Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus
• Dr. Rauno Pirinen - Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Dr. Ricardo Lugo - Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology
• Dr. Sotirios Ioannidis - Associate Professor at the Technical University of Crete
• Dr. Theodoros Karvounidis - Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus

SS010 - Enterprise Interoperability

Interoperability Embracing Innovation for Enhanced Connectivity & Bridging the Divide

Chair: Dr. Hezam Haidar - Technical Manager at INTEROP-VLab
Co-Chair: Dr. José Ferreira - Senior Researcher at UNINOVA

Important Dates:

• Full Paper: 6 May 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 12 May 2024
• Camera ready: 17 May 2024

Description:

This special session deals with the problem of interoperability, join us for a thought-provoking session on the pressing issue of interoperability. Explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating diverse systems, technologies, and standards. Let's delve into the complexities of ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across platforms, and brainstorm innovative solutions to foster greater connectivity in our increasingly interconnected world. Suggested topics are (but not limited to):

• Standards and Protocols
• Technical Compatibility
• Data Exchange and Integration
• Security and Privacy Concerns
• Regulatory and Compliance Issues
• User Experience and Workflow Integration
• Industry Case Studies
• Emerging Technologies and Trends
• Collaboration and Partnership
• Future Directions and Challenges

Technical & Review Committee:

• Raul Poler - Professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia
• Karl A. Hribernik - Head of Department, BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH
• Filippo Emanuele Ciarapica - Full Professor at School of Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Marche,
• Ilias Gialampoukidis - Researcher at CERTH
• Anastasios (Tasos) Karakostas - R&D Director at DRAXIS Environmental
• Ruben Costa - Senior Researcher at UNINOVA
• Arcadio García - R&D Projects Manager at EXOS Solutions
• Salgado Oscar - Senior Researcher at IKERLAN