From June 3 to 6 2026, the UP FM hosted the 25th anniversary MIC 2026 International Scientific Conference, titled “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Business and Policy in a Complex World.”
This year’s conference brought together 130 participants from more than 25 different countries. A total of 100 participants presented their contributions. In addition to the Faculty of Management of the University of Primorska, the conference was co-organized by the Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Trieste and the CRPZ UP FM.
The conference began on Wednesday, 3 June, with a pre-conference day, where eight innovative research ideas were presented, addressing a range of current challenges in management. This was followed by a professional workshop led by Katarina Košmrlj Muha, Head of Research at the Mediana Institute for Media and Market Research, titled “From Interviews to Insights.” Using practical examples, she presented key steps of qualitative research, from planning and conducting interviews to data analysis with the help of artificial intelligence.
On Thursday, 4 June, paper presentations were held in thematic sessions covering digitalisation, innovation, green transition, economics, education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, finance, and management. This was followed by the official opening of the conference, where participants were welcomed by the conference chair, Associate Professor Dr. Ana Grdović Gnip, Dean of UP FM Professor Dr. Tatjana Horvat, and Professor Giorgio Valentinuzzi from the Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Trieste. In their addresses, they highlighted the importance of international scientific cooperation, researcher networking, and knowledge exchange in addressing complex contemporary social and economic challenges.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the MIC conference, three acknowledgements were also awarded to individuals who, through their long-standing work, dedication, and significant contributions, have helped shape the development, international recognition, and success story of the MIC conference over the years. The recipients were Senior Lecturer Suzana Sedmak, Professor Dr. Štefan Bojnec, and Alen Ježovnik.
After the official opening, participants attended a lecture titled “Supporting Policies for Entrepreneurship and SMEs: Lessons from Evaluation Research,” presented by Dr. Ondřej Dvouletý from the University of Prague. This was followed by a panel discussion titled “Implementing the European Green Deal in Ports: Balancing between Sustainability and Economic Reality?” Representatives from ports and the logistics sector discussed the challenges of implementing the European Green Deal in port environments. Speakers included Franka Cepak, Head of Health Protection and Ecology and Environmental Manager at Luka Koper; Vittorio Torbianelli, Secretary General of the Port Authority of the Eastern Adriatic; and Francesco Parisi, Director of the Francesco Parisi Group logistics company. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Giovanni Longo from the University of Trieste, highlighted the importance of balancing environmental goals, economic competitiveness, and the interests of local communities, and emphasized the need for cooperation between ports, logistics companies, local authorities, and state institutions in finding financially sustainable solutions for port development. The day concluded with a conference dinner at the Regional Museum of Koper, offering participants an opportunity for informal networking, new connections, and strengthening international cooperation.
On Friday, 6 June, additional paper sessions were held, along with a lecture by Dr. Damjan Kukovec, who presented a perspective on the future of the international economic order in times of geopolitical turmoil. He highlighted the challenges of global trade and the role of the European Union and its judicial system in addressing contemporary economic and political changes. Within the “Meet the Editors” session, participants also met with editors of academic journals supporting the MIC conference. The discussion provided insight into the academic publishing process, editorial expectations, as well as current trends and challenges in scholarly publishing, and concluded with an open Q&A session.
The conference concluded on Saturday, 6 June, with a guided tour of Koper.
Marking its 25th edition, the MIC conference once again confirmed its importance as an international meeting point for researchers and experts from various fields. A quarter of a century of its existence reflects a commitment to promoting scientific excellence, international cooperation, and the search for solutions to key social and economic challenges of the modern world. For the UP Faculty of Management, the MIC conference remains an important space for knowledge exchange, networking, and co-creating a sustainable and innovative future.
MIC 2026
