XXXII National Conference of Commodity Sciences

Resilience and sustainability in a changing world

The Conference

The current global context characterised by economic, social and environmental instability let to deeply reflect on new models which could contribute to solve the structural weaknesses of the current economy.
Quality, Environment, Innovation and Sustainability are the foundation of an increasingly evident transition from an economy based on a linear model to a new economy based on a circular model, in which resources need to be used more efficiently. This must be encouraged through technological development, research and innovation for industrial processes, in order to make organizations become valuable, reliable, sustainable and resilient.

The XXXII National Conference of Commodity Sciences, entitled “Resilience and sustainability in a changing world”, which will take place from September 19th to 20th in Lecce, will focus on the thematic areas of quality, energy transition, digital transition and ecological transition. In a context characterized by the diffusion of technology, the continuous innovation of products, services and processes and globalization, it is compulsory to guarantee the quality of products and services to consumers and this has social, political, as well as economic, implications. The Congress will be an opportunity for multi- and inter-disciplinary debates among academics and experts in Commodity Sciences and beyond.

Thematic Areas

Quality

The thematic area regarding Quality constitutes a fundamental pillar of Commodity Sciences. The congress will focus on the improvement of the quality standards of products, which are also considered necessary to mitigate environmental impacts along the entire supply chain. To pursue these objectives, more rigorous quality criteria for raw materials are necessary, as well as the promotion of efficient production processes.
Furthermore, it will be particularly interesting to discuss strategies aimed at educating consumers on the intrinsic quality of products, guiding them towards conscious and sustainable choices.

Energy transition

The energy transition is a crucial element for Commodity Sciences in addressing the dynamics of the global change. The congress will focus on the options of adopting renewable energy sources and on the optimization of processes, in order to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Furthermore, it will be dedicated to insights relating to the introduction of sustainable technologies and management practices oriented towards energy efficiency, considered as strategic levers to strengthen the resilience of supply chains in an increasingly dynamic context.

Digital transition

Digitalization plays a crucial role in enhancing resilience and sustainability within the context of commodities. The focus will be on the widespread adoption of digital technologies with the aim of optimizing supply chain management, reducing waste and enhancing product traceability. The exploration of cutting-edge solutions, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), will be explored in depth to increase operational efficiency, in accordance with the key aspects of sustainability.

Ecological transition

The ecological transition implies an integral reconsideration of production and distribution processes in order to mitigate the environmental impact. The objective is to find innovative solutions that harmonize market needs with environmental protection, jointly promoting responsible consumption practices and the implementation of a circular economy. The integration of ecological criteria in the context of Commodity Sciences plays a crucial role for the construction of a sustainable future and for the protection of natural resources.