Technology Evolves. So Must Technologists.
Today, at the III Technology Forum during the Targi DREMA | International Trade Fair Ewelina Depczyńska, R&D Director at Paged LabTech, joined an inspiring panel discussion:“What Should the Profession of a Technologist Look Like in the Future?” Together with representatives of academia and industry, the panel explored how digitalization, automation, simulation and interdisciplinary collaboration are reshaping the role of engineers and technologists.
One of the key conclusions was that the technologist of the future will be much more than a process specialist. As advanced simulations, AI and data analytics become part of everyday R&D, future innovators will need to connect expertise in materials, manufacturing, automation and business to create truly impactful solutions. At Paged LabTech, this approach is already part of our daily work when our material scientists, chemists, process engineers and simulation specialists are collaborating on the next generation of wood-based materials.
The discussion also highlighted that automation is not only about investing in new machinery. Real innovation often starts with rethinking technologies and processes themselves. Developments such as Paged FreePly demonstrate how technological innovation can simultaneously improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability, creating value without the need for entirely new production facilities.
Another important topic was talent development. The future belongs to interdisciplinary teams and lifelong learners. This is why cooperation between industry and universities is becoming increasingly important. Through internships, research projects and close collaboration with academic partners, Paged LabTech is helping shape the next generation of engineers who will drive innovation across the wood and materials industries.
As Ewelina Depczyńska, PhD emphasizes:
The technologist of the future will not be the best specialist in just one field. They will be someone who can combine materials, data, automation and business into one innovative solution.