In conversations about career development, entrepreneurship, and innovation, one word appears again and again: networking. Students are often encouraged to “build connections” and “meet the right people”, But a fundamental question remains: Is simply knowing many people enough to create real impact?

Industrial IoT (IIoT) is often introduced as “IoT applied to factories,” but that definition is too small for what it really represents: a disciplined way of turning physical operations into measurable, connectable, and optimizable systems. While consumer IoT prioritizes convenience and novelty (smart homes, wearables), IIoT prioritizes availability, determinism, safety, and long equipment lifecycles.

Sharon Christiaan is a behavioural scientist, author, speaker, and expert on communication and leadership. She is known for her work on modern workplace communication and “communication intelligence”, a framework she developed to help people and organisations improve how they interact, lead, and influence for better results. In the Digital Transformation Conference in London in 2025, she delivered a presentation “From Seven Hours to Seven Minutes: The AI Revolution in Data Storytelling”, where she emphasized that storytelling is the essential bridge between complex data and human action.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved into a foundational technology shaping industrial systems, scientific research, and higher education worldwide. Its rapid integration across sectors signals not merely technological advancement but structural transformation. AI is redefining operational models, accelerating knowledge production, and reshaping competency requirements within the labor market.

As Europe continues to accelerate its digital transformation, the alignment between higher education and real-world industry needs has never been more critical. Within this context, the MERIT project organised in 2025 a series of International Industry Engagement Workshops dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cybersecurity, bringing together industry leaders, public authorities, innovation hubs, researchers and higher education representatives from across Europe.

On the 7th of January 2026, Jānis Paksis from Riga Business School at Riga Technical University (RTU) visited VILNIUS TECH to share his experience and perspectives on how universities and professionals can succeed in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence.

In the autumn 2025, a new group of students has started their studies in the Industrial Engineering and Management (MARM) master’s programme, marking another important milestone in the continuous development of advanced engineering education at TalTech. The programme brings together engineering, digital technologies and management competences, preparing students to address the challenges of modern industrial systems.

The MERIT project continues to pulse with energy, curiosity, and achievement, bringing together students who are eager to explore, experiment, and turn their academic journey into something truly transformative. What makes this project so exciting is the diversity of student paths: some dive confidently into scientific research and conference participation, while others channel their creativity into industry-focused innovations with leading companies. And both directions are not only valid, they’re also celebrated.