Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) hosted the 12th edition of the European Lean Educator Conference (ELEC 2026) from 14 to 16 October, under the theme “Lean Thinking for a Sustainable and Human-Centred Digital Future”. The event brought together 70 participants from 15 countries, establishing itself as an international space for sharing knowledge, reflection and collaboration around Lean Thinking and the challenges facing organizations.
The conference welcomed participants from Portugal, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. One of the highlights of this edition was the presence of Professors John Bicheno and Peter Hines, two international authorities on the evolution, preservation and dissemination of the fundamental principles of Lean Thinking, which were developed and consolidated in the 1990s.
The scientific programme also featured keynote speakers from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Italy and Portugal, representing academic institutions and organizations such as the University of Buckingham, the Shingo Institute, the Università degli Studi di Verona, Toyota Caetano Portugal and IKEA Industry Portugal. Throughout the various discussion sessions, topics such as sustainability, digital transformation and the central role of people in organizations were explored.
The educational dimension was also in the spotlight at the workshop “Applying Lean to the PhD Process”, dedicated to applying Lean principles to doctoral research and doctoral education. The session encouraged reflection on strategies to improve the efficiency of academic processes, reduce waste and strengthen value creation.
Among the most distinctive moments was the DOURO EXPERIENCE – Lean Innovation Challenge. Aboard a cruise on the Douro River, participants were challenged to apply principles of innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement in a learning context outside the traditional conference format. In addition to the practical component, the initiative offered an opportunity for socializing and bringing together participants from different countries and institutions.
Hosting ELEC 2026 reinforces ISEP’s international standing as an institution that promotes knowledge sharing, academic cooperation and closer ties with the business sector. The event once again demonstrated the relevance of Lean Thinking in addressing the challenges organizations face.
The next edition of the European Lean Educator Conference will take place in Hungary in 2027, continuing this path of sharing, learning and international cooperation.