EOQ Congress 2026 at UBT: Experts Discuss Quality, Artificial Intelligence, and Risk Management

23/10/2026

As part of the 67th Congress of the European Organization for Quality (EOQ Congress 2026), local and international experts gathered at UBT’s innovative campus to address key issues related to accreditation, certification, conformity assessment, risk management, and business continuity, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence in transforming quality management systems.

The session, “Accreditation, Certification, Validation and Conformity Assessment – Risk, Resilience and Business Continuity,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Fisnik Laha, brought together representatives from public institutions, academia, and the private sector. Discussions focused on the importance of international standards, measurement reliability, innovation, AI governance, and building organizations resilient enough to address future challenges.

During the session, experts presented their work and insights through the following contributions:

• Irfan Lipovica, Director General of the Kosovo Accreditation Directorate (DAK) – “Accreditation as an Infrastructure of Trust: From Competence to International Recognition.”
• Blerim Halabaku, Quality Manager at the Kosovo Metrology Agency – “The Role of the Quality Manager in Ensuring the Accuracy, Reliability, and Traceability of Measurement Results.”
• Prof. Maroš Finka, Comenius University in Bratislava – “The Quadruple Helix Model of Cooperation in Innovation Ecosystems: The Case of Slovakia’s Smart Transformation Innovation Cluster.”
• Carlos Da Silva, Lead Expert in Integrated Management Systems, Risk, and AI Governance – “Integrated Business Management and Trust in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
• Constantin Brescan, Quality Assurance and Supply Chain Audit Coordinator at Fusion for Energy – “Quality Audits in the Supply Chain – Fusion for Energy.”
• Dr. Ömer Özkan, EQL 2025 Award Winner – “From Compliance to Trust: The Future of Quality Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
• Luc Marivoet, QHSE Manager and Partner at Pauwels Consulting – “The Technology-Empowered Auditor: How Artificial Intelligence Strengthens Trust, Resilience, and Quality Through Human-Centered Auditing.”
• Merita Gjyshinca Peja, Chief Financial Officer at Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo – “Resilience and Business Continuity in Complex and Digitized Systems.”
• Genond Mesareja, Chairman of the Board of the European Investors Council (EIC) – “Building Resilient Organizations: Leadership, Risk Management, and Business Continuity in Times of Change.”
• Prof. Dr. Fisnik Laha, Head of Accredited Laboratories – “Measurement, Reliability, and Quality in Healthcare and Laboratory Systems.”

Through these topics, the session highlighted the importance of integrating quality standards with technological innovation, risk management, and effective leadership. The discussions also emphasized the role of cooperation between institutions, academia, and the private sector in strengthening trust, enhancing organizational resilience, and preparing for the challenges of digital transformation.