13–14 November, Auditorium Testori – Palazzo Lombardia, Milan. The 13th World Manufacturing Forum returns to Milan, bringing to the stage the visions, practices and concrete choices of a manufacturing sector that is reshaping global value chains.
This year’s focus could not be clearer: “Key Enabling Technologies for the Future of Manufacturing: Roadmaps & Platforms”.
Organised by the World Manufacturing Foundation, the Forum is a leading observatory on the trends reshaping manufacturing worldwide, with a particular focus on bringing together technological innovation, sustainability and skills development.
The event – hosted at Regione Lombardia’s Auditorium Testori, at the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic industrial regions – confirms the bond between the WMF and an area with a long track record of leadership, excellence and vision in advanced manufacturing.
Why it really matters
At a time when productivity, resilience and sustainability are no longer separate chapters but a single industrial plan, the World Manufacturing Forum brings together business leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators to turn enabling technologies into measurable results: from the smart adoption of AI, robotics and automation to data platforms that orchestrate leaner, more transparent supply chains.
The setting and the scientific lead
The Auditorium Testori is the ideal home for this edition: a venue designed for public–private dialogue in the heart of Milan. Over two days, the programme combines keynote speeches, round tables and focused sessions for those who need to decide right now where and how to invest.
The Forum will be officially opened by Diego Andreis, President of the World Manufacturing Foundation, who will introduce the proceedings by highlighting the strategic role of manufacturing on the path to sustainable innovation and competitiveness.
The event’s scientific direction is led by Marco Taisch, Scientific Chairman of the World Manufacturing Forum, who will frame the contributions of the two days from a scientific perspective.
The opening session will also preview the key themes of the WMF Report 2025 – “Key Enabling Technologies for the Future of Manufacturing: Roadmaps & Platforms” – presented by David Romero, Scientific Vice-Chairman of the World Manufacturing Foundation and Professor of Advanced Manufacturing at Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico).
What to expect:
- International perspectives on emerging platforms and standards: how to scale up from the “pilot island” to the connected factory.
- Actionable roadmaps for combining efficiency, decarbonisation and data security in operations.
- Direct dialogue with the people already delivering projects in these areas.
MICS Foundation, a long-standing supporter of the World Manufacturing Forum, will be there to show its support for the initiative’s values and goals, helping to promote an industrial culture built on innovation, collaboration and sustainability.
At a glance:
- When: Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November 2025
- Where: Auditorium Testori – Palazzo Lombardia, Milan
- Edition: 13th World Manufacturing Forum
- 2025 theme: Key Enabling Technologies for the Future of Manufacturing: Roadmaps & Platforms
A key date in the manufacturing calendar.
Registration is still open: sign up here
