How can industrial competitiveness be sustainably built in international development projects?
A qualification program led by REFA Suisse demonstrates how structured industrial engineering methods, practice-oriented training, and international knowledge transfer can effectively support long-term industrial development.
Industrial Development Requires Methodological Competence
Industrialization is not achieved through investments and infrastructure alone. Sustainable industrial development depends on structured methodologies, data-driven decision-making, and systematic knowledge transfer.
This is precisely the focus of an international qualification initiative led by REFA Suisse in cooperation with the University of Zawia in Libya. The program aims to strengthen industrial capabilities by developing practical skills in industrial engineering and structured productivity management.
Project Approach: Knowledge Transfer with Long-Term Impact
As part of a two-week intensive program, university professors are trained in applied industrial analysis and optimization methods. The objective goes beyond theoretical education — the emphasis is on practical implementation within real industrial environments.
Participants are prepared to act as multipliers, enabling them to train future engineers while also supporting companies in improving processes and productivity.
Methodological Core: Applied Industrial Engineering
The program focuses on key industrial engineering competencies, including:
- structured work and process analysis
- work measurement and performance evaluation
- capacity and layout planning
- analysis of productivity-related KPIs (e.g. OEE, lead times)
- data-based decision-making in manufacturing environments
These methods enable industrial processes to become measurable, transparent, and continuously improvable.
Building a Sustainable Competence Network
A long-term objective of the initiative is the establishment of an “Industrial Productivity Lab,” serving as a national competence center that strengthens collaboration between academia and industry.
In addition, European industrial companies are invited to support the program by offering internship opportunities, allowing participants to gain direct exposure to modern manufacturing systems. This approach ensures sustainable transfer of industrial engineering expertise from international practice to local implementation.
Strategic Relevance for International Industrial Projects
The program illustrates how industrial engineering can be used strategically to support economic development and long-term competitiveness.
For companies and organizations involved in international industrial projects, one key insight emerges:
Sustainable industrial growth is achieved when structured methodologies, practical training, and international cooperation work together.
Sustainable productivity improvement requires structured methodology, international experience, and consistent implementation in practice.
