Mr. Elvis Krulcic | Digital Transformation | Academic Leadership in Business Strategy Award

Mr. Elvis Krulcic is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of mechanical and industrial engineering, currently serving as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Rijeka – Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. With extensive experience bridging academia and industry, he brings over two decades of expertise in production technology, quality management, process optimization, and digital transformation of industrial systems. Mr. Krulcic earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, complemented by a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rijeka, where he also completed his earlier engineering studies. His educational background reflects a strong technical foundation and a progressive evolution toward advanced research in industrial automation, digital maturity modeling, and sustainable production systems. Professionally, Mr. Krulcic has held leadership positions such as Plant Manager, Head of Technical Support and Applications, and Head of Central Maintenance Service, where he demonstrated exceptional abilities in Lean management, Six Sigma methodologies, and ISO-certified production environments. His practical experience with automotive, marine, and mechanical manufacturing industries has provided him with a deep understanding of industrial ecosystems, making his academic insights both applicable and transformative. His research interests include digital maturity assessment of industrial SMEs, adaptive decision-making models using AHP methodologies, Industry 4.0 integration, and smart manufacturing strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. He possesses strong research skills in process modeling, data analytics, industrial system optimization, and application of artificial intelligence techniques in digital transformation. Mr. Krulcic’s publications in indexed and open-access journals, such as Technologies, have received growing academic attention, highlighting his analytical approach and practical relevance. His notable work, “A Dynamic Assessment of Digital Maturity in Industrial SMEs: An Adaptive AHP-Based Digital Maturity Model (DMM) with Customizable Weighting and Multidimensional Classification (DAMA-AHP),” exemplifies his contribution to advancing digital frameworks for manufacturing enterprises. Over his career, he has earned recognition for academic excellence and professional leadership, receiving commendations for process improvement and sustainable innovation. Mr. Krulcic has also been actively involved in mentoring, teaching, and participating in collaborative research projects aimed at integrating industrial engineering principles with digital transformation initiatives. His continued dedication to advancing intelligent manufacturing and operational excellence underscores his value as a researcher and educator. In conclusion, Mr. Elvis Krulcic stands out as an accomplished professional whose blend of technical mastery, managerial experience, and academic rigor positions him as a leading contributor to the global advancement of industrial engineering and digital transformation research.

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Featured Publications 

1. Krulcic, E. (2025). A dynamic assessment of digital maturity in industrial SMEs: An adaptive AHP-based digital maturity model (DMM) with customizable weighting and multidimensional classification (DAMA-AHP). Technologies. 1 citation.

2. Krulcic, E. (2024). Integration of Lean Six Sigma principles in digital transformation of manufacturing processes. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management. 3 citations.

3. Krulcic, E. (2023). Optimizing maintenance systems using hybrid decision models in smart manufacturing environments. Procedia Manufacturing. 5 citations.

4. Krulcic, E. (2022). Assessing the role of digital tools in improving industrial process efficiency: A multi-criteria analysis. International Journal of Production Research. 4 citations.

5. Krulcic, E. (2021). Adoption of Industry 4.0 practices in small and medium-sized enterprises: A comparative study of digital maturity frameworks. Computers & Industrial Engineering. 6 citations.

6. Krulcic, E. (2020). Strategic evaluation of ISO implementation in automotive manufacturing: Impact on process optimization. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence. 7 citations.

7. Krulcic, E. (2019). Application of AHP in evaluating sustainability indicators for industrial process improvement. Sustainability. 9 citations.