Български
DevelopMENS
BSDA took part in an Industry 5.0 plenary session in Brussels
20.03.2026
On March 20, 2026, the second plenary session of the Industry 5.0 Community of Practice took place in Brussels. The event was organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and brought together leading representatives from industry, academia, and policymaking across Europe. All participants were united around a shared vision of a more sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered industry.
Representing Bulgarian sports development association, official member of the Industry 5.0 Community of Practice, Joanna Dochevska actively contributed to discussions focused on the future of industrial transformation in Europe and the role of innovation in this process. The meeting primarily focused on the community’s progress so far, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to implementing the Industry 5.0 concept. Participants emphasized the need to accelerate the adoption of technologies and innovations while ensuring competitiveness, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Sport was highlighted as having a strong role within the Industry 5.0 framework, serving as a natural environment for developing human potential, fostering inclusion, and building resilient communities where innovation and technology serve people. Special attention was given to the engagement of community members and their role in advancing the initiative, with ideas and feedback collected to help shape the next steps of the Community of Practice.
Established in 2023, the Industry 5.0 Community brings together over 300 stakeholders from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, academia, the public sector, and civil society. Its mission is to promote the exchange of best practices, build partnerships, and develop models that place people, sustainability, and system resilience at the core of industrial development.
Joanna Dochevska’s participation highlights the Association’s commitment to being actively involved in European innovation and transformation processes, while also applying these principles within the field of sport and social impact. One of the Association’s current initiatives that directly aligns with the European Commission’s Industry 5.0 vision is the DevelopMENS project, co-funded by Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. By focusing on critical thinking, media literacy, and soft skills development, the project supports the growth of adaptable, informed, and socially engaged young people in today’s digital environment. As part of the initiative, a free online skills development platform has been created and is available at developmens.eu.
Sport was highlighted as having a strong role within the Industry 5.0 framework, serving as a natural environment for developing human potential, fostering inclusion, and building resilient communities where innovation and technology serve people. Special attention was given to the engagement of community members and their role in advancing the initiative, with ideas and feedback collected to help shape the next steps of the Community of Practice.
Established in 2023, the Industry 5.0 Community brings together over 300 stakeholders from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, academia, the public sector, and civil society. Its mission is to promote the exchange of best practices, build partnerships, and develop models that place people, sustainability, and system resilience at the core of industrial development.
Joanna Dochevska’s participation highlights the Association’s commitment to being actively involved in European innovation and transformation processes, while also applying these principles within the field of sport and social impact. One of the Association’s current initiatives that directly aligns with the European Commission’s Industry 5.0 vision is the DevelopMENS project, co-funded by Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. By focusing on critical thinking, media literacy, and soft skills development, the project supports the growth of adaptable, informed, and socially engaged young people in today’s digital environment. As part of the initiative, a free online skills development platform has been created and is available at developmens.eu.
