It is a great honor to serve as Chair of TC 5.3 for the 2026–2029 triennium and to build upon the outstanding contributions of previous Chairs and members of our international community.
Integration and Interoperability of Enterprise Systems are undergoing a profound transformation driven by increasing connectivity, intelligent automation, model-driven enterprise engineering, and the growing integration of physical, digital, and human systems. Within this rapidly evolving landscape, TC 5.3 provides an international forum for advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in enterprise integration and interoperability, model-driven enterprise engineering, cyber-physical manufacturing enterprises, smart manufacturing, industrial artificial intelligence, digital twins, the Industrial Internet of Things, human-centric manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, and enterprise digital transformation.
During this triennium, we aim to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, foster interdisciplinary and international research, broaden participation by senior and early-career researchers, and promote the responsible development and adoption of emerging technologies transforming industrial and enterprise systems.
A further priority will be to enhance the international visibility and scientific impact of TC 5.3 through conferences and scientific events, invited and special sessions, high-quality publications, educational activities, industry engagement, and collaboration with other IFAC Technical Committees and the broader automation, manufacturing, and enterprise systems communities.
TC 5.3 is, above all, an international scientific community. I therefore encourage both longstanding and new members to participate actively, propose initiatives, share research developments and industrial challenges, establish new collaborations, and contribute ideas that can help shape our committee’s future direction.
Together, we have the opportunity to advance the science and practice of enterprise integration and interoperability while addressing the technological, industrial, and societal challenges associated with the next generation of intelligent, interconnected, sustainable, resilient, and human-centric enterprises.
I look forward to working with all of you and to making the 2026–2029 triennium a period of active scientific collaboration, innovation, and meaningful international impact for IFAC TC 5.3.
Prof. Dr. Pedro Ponce Cruz
Chair, IFAC Technical Committee 5.3
Integration and Interoperability of Enterprise Systems
Tecnológico de Monterrey
AI for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Institute
School of Engineering, Mechatronics Department
Mexico
