"FUTURE TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY"
The key event of the year for the construction industry in the region
Organized by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Serbia (ACES), the conference featured over 40 distinguished speakers, including experts from various fields, along with 25 sponsors and more than 300 attendees.
Throughout the conference, speakers shared their extensive experience and insights on innovations, as well as their perspectives on the future of the construction sector.
The future of construction
This prestigious event brought together key participants, decision-makers, and experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of construction, engineering, and the use of modern technologies in this region of Europe.
The conference theme encompassed a wide range of topics, including public procurement, international standards, the integration of artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and alternative dispute resolution.
The conference attracted significant media coverage, further emphasizing its importance and impact on the industry. The extensive media representation helped disseminate key messages and topics discussed, making the conference more recognizable to the general public.
As one of the leading organizations for consulting engineers in the Balkans, ACES plays a vital role in fostering professional excellence, promoting best practices, and driving innovation.
This year’s conference featured a diverse program that facilitated the exchange of knowledge and cooperation between local and international participants, creating a strong platform for the development and enhancement of the construction industry in the region.
Sessions and speakers
Introductury Sessions
The conference opened with a welcome speech by Branislav Simović, president of ACES, who highlighted the importance of cooperation and innovation for the region’s development. Goran Vesić, the Minister of Construction of Serbia, and Inés Ferguson, the President of the European Federation of Consulting Engineers’ Associations (EFCA), delivered opening remarks that set the stage for discussions on the latest trends and challenges in the construction sector.
Session 1: Public procurement practices and lessons learned
Moderator: Nikola Matić, Vice President of ACES
This session focused on public procurement strategies, examining lessons learned from the past and the advantages of modern approaches. The discussion covered the specifics of procurement as defined by international financial institutions (IFIs), the role of the MEAT criteria, and the debate between direct negotiations and open procedures within the EU. Experts from ACES, EFCA, NALED, and the European Investment Bank shared their insights and experiences.
Session 2: FIDIC guidelines
Moderator: Blažo Begović, CTO at VMS Belgrade and a certified ACES trainer.
The discussions focused on the advantages of properly applying FIDIC contracts and the risks associated with their misuse. Key topics included the roles of engineers, professional liability insurance, and the implementation of “golden principles” in local practices. Notable speakers for the event included Luis Villarroya Alonso, Vice President of FIDIC, and Zoltán Záhonyi, Former President of FIDIC Contract Committees.
Session 3: Artificial intelligence in construction
Moderator: Slobodan Marković, Digital Advisor at UNDP
This insightful session centered on Serbia’s AI strategy and its application within the construction sector. Discussions addressed topics such as cybersecurity, the infrastructure needed to implement AI, and AI tools for communication and decision-making. Prominent participants included representatives from UNDP, Schneider Electric, and the academic community.
Session 4: Digital tools in the construction industry
Moderator: Veljko Janjić, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BEXEL Consulting
This session emphasized the transformative potential of BIM, GIS software, and parametric design in enhancing construction processes.
The formal activities of the first day concluded with a networking event at Tannin Wine Bistro, providing participants with the opportunity to make connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
Session 5: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Moderator: Katarina Obradović Baklaja, the president of the board of directors of CDRC and a member of the ACES board of directors.
During the event, participants analyzed the role of dispute avoidance mechanisms, such as DAB and DAAB, and their application in arbitration. The speakers included legal and technical experts from Serbia, Romania, and Croatia.
Session 6: RešSolving the problem of price adjustments in projects
Moderator: Srđan Topalović, a certified FIDIC trainer and ACES arbitrator.
This session addressed challenges such as price escalation, force majeure, and legal frameworks, including the Serbian Law on Obligations. Discussions focused on strategies for quantifying resources and managing uncertainties.
Session 7: New technologies in the service of sustainable development
Moderator: Dragana Čukić, članica upravnog odbora ACES-a
U završnoj sesiji naglašena je uloga inovativnih materijala, reciklaže i naprednih tehnologija u postizanju ciljeva održivog razvoja. Govornici, uključujući Nikolu Tošića (Univerzitet Politècnica de Catalunya) i Vladimira Crnojevića (BioSense Institut), istakli su značaj usklađivanja nauke, tehnologije i građevinskih praksi za klimatski neutralnu budućnost.
Konferenciju je zatvorio Branislav Simović, koji je osvrnuo na uspeh događaja i potvrdio posvećenost ACES-a unapređenju inženjerske izvrsnosti u regionu. Događaj je završen koktelom, na kojem su učesnici u opuštenoj atmosferi rezimirali konferenciju..
Saradnja koja doprinosi razvoju
Sponsors play a crucial role in the success of any event, and your backing has brought us closer to achieving our goal: to improve the construction industry, promote professional excellence, and advance new technologies and best practices.
Once again, we sincerely thank you for your support and trust.
We look forward to future projects and collaborations that will continue to contribute to the development of our industry.
