Caroline Viarouge is the Chief Executive Officer of EIT Manufacturing, Europe’s largest innovation community dedicated to advancing sustainable manufacturing. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Caroline has built a reputation for transformative leadership, driven by her energy and creativity. As an expert, she is a sought-after speaker on the future of European manufacturing, manufacturing trends and outlooks, and the digital and green transitions.
Before joining EIT Manufacturing, Caroline held senior management roles at prominent industrial companies, including five years at Nissan and six years at Munters, where she served as Vice President. She also played a key role as a management consultant at BearingPoint, helping to grow and transform industrial organisations and expand into global markets.
Beyond her corporate expertise, Caroline is an active supporter of innovative startups, mentoring through X-HEC and investing as a business angel. She also serves as a board member of several educational institutions and is a strong advocate for increasing women’s representation in STEM and manufacturing.
Caroline holds a Master of Science in International Business from University College Dublin (UCD) and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris. A global citizen with wide-ranging international experience, she has lived and worked in four countries and is currently based in France.
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European manufacturing: leading and shaping our green and digital future
Europe is at a critical crossroads, balancing the need to maintain its competitive edge while redefining leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Faced with pressing environmental challenges, technological advancements and a shifting geopolitical climate, the old continent is being tested like never before.
This talk will take you deep into Europe’s manufacturing industry, revealing how groundbreaking green and digital technologies are not only securing Europe’s competitiveness but propelling it to the very forefront of global industry.
Empowering women to drive innovation in manufacturing
Drawing from personal journey example and showcasing inspiring women who are role models in STEM and manufacturing, there is no better speaker than Caroline Viarouge to illustrate how fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce can lead to new ideas and solutions to complex industry challenges. Women, that represent over half of the global talent pool, continue to face systemic barriers in their access to funding, networks and resources. And yet, research shows that women-led organisations consistently outperform their peers.
So why do these barriers still exist? And how can STEM education and technical skills help build a more inclusive pipeline of future women leaders? In her engaging and thought-provoking talk, Caroline explores these pressing questions, offering actionable insights on how to empower women in manufacturing and drive meaningful change.
Innovation as a competitive catalyst: Investing in industrial startups
Robotics, AI, cutting-edge technologies – more than just science fiction words, these are the terms and technologies through which startups are revolutionising manufacturing sector.
This talk explores how industrial startups are disrupting traditional industries and creating exciting new possibilities. You’ll learn how investments in these startups not only fuel growth but also give established companies a competitive edge in areas like advanced manufacturing and automation. As an angel investor, Caroline will share her firsthand insights into how strategic investments are driving the future of industry.
Talent with the future-proof skills to meet industry’s demands
By 2030 around 40% of key skills will change. In the next five years, technological skills, especially in AI, big data, cybersecurity, and tech literacy—will grow the most, responding to the industry’s evolving needs. However, it’s not all technical. Soft skills like creative thinking, agility, and lifelong learning will also become increasingly important.
To anticipate a widening skills gap, companies need to act now. Bringing her industrial expertise and policy knowledge, through this talk, Caroline will guide you through the exploration of how businesses can prepare their workforce to drive innovation and tackle future challenges.
Manufacturing industry outlook, trends and technology
What are the game-changing trends shaping the future of manufacturing?
As global supply chains continue to face disruptions and automation advances, new challenges and opportunities arise. Key trends driving the future of manufacturing include artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and materials.
What’s coming next, and how can industries leverage these trends? Caroline will offer exclusive insights gained firsthand from European industry leaders, startups, and research and technology centers, highlighting groundbreaking developments happening in the market and how they’re shaping the future of manufacturing.