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Prof. Konstantinos Salonitis
Cranfield University, UKSustainability and digitalisation of manufacturing
Abstract:
The twin transitions of sustainability and digitalisation are reshaping contemporary manufacturing systems, driven by increasing environmental pressures, resource constraints, and rapid technological advancement. This paper examines how digital technologies-such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital twins-enable more sustainable manufacturing practices across the product life cycle. By improving process transparency, energy efficiency, resource utilisation, and decision-making, digitalisation offers significant opportunities to reduce environmental impact while enhancing economic and operational performance. At the same time, the paper highlights key challenges associated with this transformation, including data integration, skills gaps, cybersecurity, and the environmental footprint of digital infrastructures themselves. Through a synthesis of current research and industrial examples, the study proposes a conceptual framework that links digital maturity with sustainability outcomes in manufacturing. The findings underline the need for a systemic and strategic approach to align digitalisation initiatives with sustainability goals, supporting manufacturers in achieving long-term competitiveness and resilience.
Biography:
Professor Konstantinos (Kostas) Salonitis has served as Head of the Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre at Cranfield University since 2019. He is a trained Mechanical Engineer, having obtained his degree in 2001, and holds a PhD in Manufacturing Processes, awarded in 2006. His research expertise encompasses sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing, simulation and modelling of manufacturing processes, lean and green manufacturing management, and environmental impact assessment.
Prior to joining Cranfield University, Professor Salonitis worked as a Research Engineer at the University of Patras, where he contributed to several European Commission-funded research projects. He has participated in more than ten European Commission-funded projects, serving as both Project Manager and Technical Site Manager.
Professor Salonitis joined Cranfield University in February 2012 as a Lecturer in Manufacturing Systems and was promoted to Professor of Manufacturing Systems in October 2019. During his tenure at Cranfield, he has acted as Co-Investigator on four EPSRC-funded projects and two Horizon 2020 projects, served as Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Academic Supervisor for two projects, and led two ATI/Innovate UK-funded projects as Principal Investigator. In addition, he has successfully delivered over 30 industrially funded research and consultancy projects. He was the deputy director of the UKRI-funded Transforming the foundation industries (TRANSFIRE) hub. Over the past decade, he has secured more than £15 million in research funding.
Professor Salonitis has authored over 350 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals and refereed conferences and has written two academic books. He has supervised more than 30 doctoral students to successful completion.
He is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET), a Member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He has previously served as Chair of the Manufacturing Industries Division of the IMechE and is a member of the Consortium of UK University Manufacturing and Engineering (COMEH).
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