On June 4–5, 2025, the 8th International Scientific Conference CILRAID 2025, titled “Heritage, Innovation, Resilience, Business” (HIRB), was held in Opole. The event was organized by the Opole University of Technology – Faculty of Economics and Management, in cooperation with the Chambers of Craft and Entrepreneurship, the KreativEU university consortium, and the Opole Centre for Economic Development.
Main thematic areas:
- Cultural heritage – the preservation and protection of craft traditions, which form the foundation of regional and national identity.
- Innovation – the integration of modern technologies such as e-commerce, 3D printing, and AI with traditional working methods, enabling craftspeople to expand their markets and improve efficiency.
- Resilience – preparing the craft sector for contemporary challenges, from climate change to economic crises and pandemics.
- Business – the development of craft entrepreneurship, job creation, and integration of the sector into global supply chains.
Representatives from various countries and academic communities took part in the event. Among the speakers and panelists were academics from Portugal, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The program included both in-person lectures and online sessions, promoting international exchange of experiences.
The conference aimed to highlight the multidimensional role of craftsmanship – from its significance in cultural heritage, through its innovative and resilience potential, to the economic dimension of craft activity. CILRAID 2025 created a space for dialogue about the future of craftsmanship in the face of global and local socio-economic challenges.
The 8th International CILRAID 2025 Conference became a key forum integrating academic, craft, and business communities. It addressed crucial issues – from preserving heritage, through implementing innovative solutions, to strategies for strengthening business resilience in the craft sector. Two intense days of discussions and presentations undoubtedly contributed to building lasting international relationships and set directions for the development of the craft sector in Poland and the region.
