Ramil from Azerbaijan: building a career in Lithuania and giving back to the economy

Although mechanical engineering is often still associated with traditional manufacturing, today it is increasingly becoming the foundation of smart industry. It determines not only how equipment is designed and operated, but also a business’s ability to reduce costs, increase productivity, and create a competitive advantage in international markets. The sector’s scale also confirms the importance of this industry in the Lithuanian economy. Darius Lasionis, Director of the Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association (LINPRA), emphasizes that the engineering and technology industry in Lithuania is already one of the most important pillars of the economy. “According to data from the State Data Agency, the output of Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry (excluding VAT and excise tax at current prices) reached 7.82 billion euros in 2025 and grew by 6.6 percent year-over-year. This accounted for 24.4% of the manufacturing sector. It is clear that these results would not have been achieved without the workforce. In 2024, nearly 64,000 people were employed in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry, accounting for as much as 30% of the manufacturing sector. The number of companies in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry reached 2,416, or 25% of the total number of manufacturing companies. “These figures show that the engineering and technology industry is a significant and promising component of Lithuania’s industry and economy,” he states. According to the head of LINPRA, mechanical engineering is one of the key components of the Lithuanian engineering and technology industry. [caption id="attachment_113993" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Director of the Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association (LINPRA) Darius Lasionis[/caption] “This field is important not only for ensuring basic engineering solutions, but also for implementing innovative solutions in our daily operations. If we include the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers, the manufacture of machinery and equipment not classified elsewhere, and the manufacture of other transport equipment in mechanical engineering, we will see that, according to State Data Agency data, in 2025, the total volume of economic activities within the scope of Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry output (excluding VAT and excise tax at current prices) accounted for as much as 28 percent, and in 2024—30 percent. “This demonstrates the strong and stable role of mechanical engineering in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry,” says D. Lasionis. Today, the competitiveness of the industry is determined not only by internal corporate decisions. The broader international context—supply chains, geopolitical risks, and export destinations—is becoming increasingly significant. “In our daily lives, each of us uses electronic devices, and the demand for them covers an ever-wider spectrum, naturally increasing the need for their components. Supply chain decisions are also being shaped by the trade wars between the U.S. and China and the growing dependence on Chinese components—companies are increasingly concerned about potential supply disruptions, cyber threats, or national security risks. In light of this, we are seeing that Europeans are increasingly inclined to order goods from American or other reliable manufacturers, rather than from Asian countries that may raise security concerns. This is particularly relevant when it comes to dual-use defense-related products,” says D. Lasionis. He notes that another key factor for the engineering and technology industry is international trade. For example, by December 2025, exports from this sector accounted for as much as 23.4% of Lithuania’s total exports. Eighty percent of the engineering industry’s output is exported to European countries, with Germany and the U.S. being the two largest export destinations overall. “That said, we are seeing significant growth in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Central and Eastern European countries. This is not surprising, as Central and Eastern Europe has become a sort of manufacturing hub for Europe. Major Western manufacturers—German and French conglomerates—have relocated or built many factories in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary in recent decades,” he says. Must Create Value In this context, mechanical engineering itself is changing. Assoc. Prof. Kristina Bazienė, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VILNIUS TECH University, says that although mechanical engineering was long considered a classical field, it is now becoming one of the most interdisciplinary and technology-driven areas. “In the past, many relied on physical prototypes, but now computer-aided design and digital simulations dominate. Mechanical engineering is no longer limited to iron and bolts; it is becoming increasingly digital, smart, and closely linked to other fields of technology, and artificial intelligence is increasingly used in modern mechanical solutions, for example, in predicting failures,” she says, describing the breakthrough. According to the vice dean, mechanical engineering has broken free from the confines of the classical design discipline and is becoming the engineering of systems, data, and innovation. Global changes begin with the design and construction of smart factories, where mechanical, IT, and electronic systems operate as a single organism. Sustainability is becoming the cornerstone of design: mechanical solutions are evaluated based on energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and product lifecycle. [caption id="attachment_113991" align="alignnone" width="574"] Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VILNIUS TECH University Kristina Bazienė[/caption] The current market needs not just an executor, but a specialist capable of working with increasingly complex technological systems. According to D. Lasionis, businesses are recognizing this shift and responding to it. "Engineers in a company not only design, develop, and manufacture, but also manage technologies. This is particularly relevant in today’s society, where companies seek a competitive advantage not only nationally but also internationally. With this in mind, engineers are increasingly being involved in a company’s long-term strategic processes,” says the interviewee. K. Bazienė says that the competencies of a modern mechanical engineer clearly demonstrate that this field is a combination of technical, digital, business, and social skills. “The VILNIUS TECH study program has adapted very quickly to market needs. Mechanical engineers still need core fundamental competencies, such as mechanics (statics, dynamics), thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine design. However, engineers are increasingly not only doing calculations but also working in teams and making decisions, so they need to understand communication and acquire knowledge of teamwork, leadership, and project management,” she explains. The mechanical engineering program at VILNIUS TECH retains the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, and classical mechanics, but increasingly integrates studies in programming, automation, and digital tools. Professional internships at companies during the program play a particularly important role. “During the program, up to 50 percent of the coursework consists of practical activities: exercises and laboratory work. The mechanical engineering program trains decision-makers, not mere implementers,” emphasizes K. Bazienė. D. Lasionis adds that the value of mechanical engineering today is measured by the ability to increase efficiency and competitiveness. "Competitiveness is determined by labor productivity, raw material costs, and labor costs. We will be more competitive in the market if we can produce a high-quality product at a relatively lower cost by applying innovative and technologically advanced solutions developed by motivated and talented professionals in their field, rather than by other market players,” he says. Partnerships and Internships K. Bazienė notes that during studies, internships and real-world business projects are no longer just an “add-on” but one of the most important parts of the learning process. Without them, mechanical engineering studies would be theoretically strong but insufficient for the market. “In the mechanical engineering program, internships don’t just take place in the summer; they’re spread out throughout the year. During their studies, students conduct lab work, work with real equipment, and perform experiments. They often use the same tools as in industry, such as CAD or simulation software. Both during professional internships and when preparing final projects, industry needs are taken into account: final project topics proposed by companies are selected, and business representatives participate in final project presentations,” explains the vice dean. According to D. Lasionis, the business community also emphasizes the importance of experience and stresses that a diploma alone is not enough today. [caption id="attachment_113995" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Darius Lasionis[/caption] “Business leaders often note that young people tend to believe that a college degree alone guarantees a good salary. However, in the business world, salary depends on one’s competencies, practical skills, and the value one creates. That is why the business community hopes that as many students as possible will gain practical experience and hands-on training,” says the head of LINPRA. K. Bazienė adds that collaboration with the business community during mechanical engineering studies at VILNIUS TECH is not a series of isolated initiatives, but a systematically integrated part of the program. “In many cases, students are already working with companies during their studies and quite often begin their careers before even finishing their studies. VILNIUS TECH actively collaborates with manufacturing and technology companies. Companies are facing a growing need for talent, so they actively seek out students and offer them internships. For example, a significant number of third- and fourth-year students already have work experience. “Today, studying mechanical engineering means not only attending university but also entering the job market early,” she says. The demand for talent is growing D. Lasionis agrees that the market is experiencing a shortage of mechanical engineers—companies are looking for specialists earlier and earlier, as this shortage is already having a direct impact on their expansion plans. “According to data from the Employment Service, demand for mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technicians, electronics engineers, electrical engineering technicians, and civil engineering technicians was higher in 2025 than in 2024 or 2023. It is clear that employers had a harder time finding engineering staff last year. This is reflected not only in statistics but also in real-world business situations. Company executives often express concern that, due to the shortage of engineers, they frequently have to limit their expansion plans related to automation, robotization, and digitization,” emphasizes D. Lasionis. Nevertheless, there are positive signs—both the number of applicants and the profession’s appeal to the public are growing. “Commissioned by LINPRA, Spinter Research conducted a representative survey of Lithuanian residents and found that in June 2025, 80% of residents agreed that the engineering profession has a promising future. In March 2023, this figure was 8 percentage points lower, at 72%. Thus, graduates in the fields of engineering and technology typically enter the job market motivated, ambitious, and promising,” he states. According to D. Lasionis, good results are also inseparable from consistent policy decisions. “What is needed most is a clear strategy spanning at least ten years that is not dependent on political cycles. The guidelines for the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Engineering Industry Roadmap, currently under development, should strengthen competencies, promote the adoption of artificial intelligence in industry, increase productivity and competitiveness, and clearly define the future direction of Lithuanian industry,” says the head of LINPRA. Encouraging early interest in engineering contributes to these positive changes. “We are very pleased with the ‘Engineering of the Future’ (AI) program implemented by VILNIUS TECH, which is designed to help students in grades 7–12 at schools offering general education programs to practically develop their innovative abilities, which include creativity, competencies in STEAM subjects, modern technologies, and entrepreneurship,” the interviewee explains. According to D. Lasionis, the sector’s long-term ambition is clear—Lithuania can become an engineering nation, but this will require consistent efforts from all stakeholders. “We believe that by 2030, Lithuania can be an engineering nation. However, the successful achievement of this goal requires the efforts of all of us,” says the interviewee. According to K. Bazienė, mechanical engineering is one of those fields that never loses its relevance. “If you’re considering mechanical engineering, the most important message is very simple but honest: it’s not an easy path, but this profession is one of the most versatile and ‘resilient’ choices for the future,” says the associate dean.

A Purdue University Northwest graduate, Davina Jackson, moved from the American Midwest to Lithuania — and found not only a Master’s degree but also a career, a community, and a more relaxed way of life. Although the decision was a big surprise to her family and moving across the world required determination and planning, she never regretted it. Instead, this big adventure reminded her of her long-held dream of giving back through teaching. Given Davina’s determination, this dream sounds quite real. Breaking the news to the family Most American students do not tell their families every day that they are moving to Lithuania. When Davina prepared to share the news, she made a strategic choice: “The first person I told was my mother, knowing she would take it more calmly than the rest of my family,” the student recalls. “She helped introduce the idea to the rest of my family.”  Davina’s close friends, already familiar with her long-standing curiosity about the country, were far easier to convince. They were excited and supportive. Davina’s curiosity had a very specific origin: a Lithuanian exchange student she had befriended while they were visiting in the US. That friendship sparked an interest, a visit confirmed it, and soon she was researching universities. VILNIUS TECH stood out quickly. “The Information Systems Software Engineering programme’s curriculum matched both my experience and my strengths,” she explains. “It felt like the right fit, both academically and professionally.” The differences in learning and personal life Davina had visited Lithuania twice before making the move, so culture shock was minimal. What she had expected most — the abundance of nature — proved entirely accurate. However, the academic environment held a few surprises. “In the US, my Bachelor’s programme did not include a thesis or defence; assessments were primarily through exams and projects,” she says. “Adjusting to the idea of writing a thesis and publicly defending it was the biggest shift for me.” The second surprise was more welcome: the richness of student life. The Erasmus Student Network — something with no real American equivalent — opened doors to a truly international community. The most enduring lesson from her studies was deeply personal. “The most important lesson has been learning to take care of myself,” she says. “I tend to overwork and occasionally neglect basic needs, such as meals and rest. I’ve learned that maintaining balance and well-being is essential to long-term success.” Balancing studies and an early career Managing a Master’s programme alongside full-time employment is no easy choice. Davina has done exactly that, working as an IT engineer in Voice and Real Time Services at SEB Bank — a role she actively sought on LinkedIn after gaining experience at Western Union. Before taking the job, she ensured she could handle the combined workload. “When I joined SEB, the team was aware of my academic commitments and adjusted my role to part-time,” Davina explains. Her schedule was relentless: work every weekday morning, then an hour’s gap before lectures starting at 16:20 or 18:10, then homework until sleep, then repeat. “It sometimes means missing out on social activities, but I remind myself that this is temporary and will pay off once my studies are complete.” Davina’s day-to-day work centres on managing SEB’s telephony systems — extensions, desk phones, soft phones, and group call queues — while also handling Microsoft-related tasks and broader IT support within an Agile team. The field is evolving quickly. “Cloud solutions, automation, and AI are shaping the future of telephony,” she says. “These areas have become essential for me to understand to stay aligned with the industry’s direction.” She keeps pace through continuous training, technical documentation, and guidance from senior colleagues. What Lithuania gets right Now that Davina has worked in both countries, she sees a striking contrast in workplace culture. “The key difference is work-life balance,” she says. “In the US, maintaining a healthy balance often feels impossible. In Lithuania, mandatory holiday blocks, generous annual leave, and encouraged lunch and break times create a much healthier environment.”  She also notes that diversity and equal opportunities stand out. “I’ve held two roles since moving to Lithuania and have never experienced inequality or prejudice,” Davina says. Technology remains a male-dominated field globally, yet she has observed strong representation of women and professionals from diverse backgrounds. If Davina could give her past self one piece of advice, it would be linguistic: “If I could change one thing, I would have started learning Lithuanian earlier, rather than only beginning after moving.” With her thesis in its final chapter, Davina is already thinking about what comes next. The options she is weighing reflect both ambition and a desire to give back. “I’m interested either in becoming a programmer or advancing within my current field towards an L3 role,” she says. But there is a third path that has never quite left her mind: “I also still have an interest in teaching. As a child, I wanted to become a teacher, but I didn’t pursue it due to concerns about financial stability. If the opportunity arose to teach or assist in a technology-related academic setting, I believe it would be deeply fulfilling.” For any American student tempted to follow her path, Davina’s advice is both clear and encouraging. “I would encourage them to research their decision thoroughly and be certain it’s what they truly want,” Davina says. “Moving across the world requires determination and planning.” If commitment is there, she is happy to discuss public transport, social life, and cultural differences with fellow foreigners navigating life in Lithuania.

On April 15, 2026, the 29th Scientific Conference for Lithuanian Young Researchers “Science – Future of Lithuania. Security of Information Technologies and Information Systems” (JMK2026) was held at VILNIUS TECH, bringing together bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students, and early career researchers from Lithuania and abroad. The conference focused on information security and information systems, addressing current challenges of digital transformation, data driven decision making, and the growing role of advanced information systems in organizations. The Information Systems session featured poster presentations covering topics such as information system design, modern database systems, process modelling, simulation and automation, Artificial Intelligence driven information systems, etc. In the Information Systems section was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Diana Kalibatienė, Chair of the Organizing Committee, who highlighted the importance of young researchers in building a secure and advanced digital society. 2 bachelors, 36 master students (34 of them studies "Information Systems Software Engineering", 2 of them studies “Management of Artificial Intelligence Solutions” study programs) and 3 PhD students presented 40 posters and one oral presentation (by PhD student Anastasija Grubinskienė (supervisor prof. dr. Andrius Katkevičius)) on various relevant research and practical topics related to their master/PhD thesis. JMK2026 welcomed not only students from Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, but also accepted two students from Faculty of Electronics. In the future, we plan to extend such interfaculty and interuniversity scientific cooperation. The three best posters were selected by the Programme Committee members during the conference: Deborah Amenigy “The Evolution of Machine Learning Models in Financial Anomaly Detection” in category "Best Visualisation" (supervisor prof. dr. Simona Ramanauskaitė), Leonardas Vekrikas ”Fraud Detection in Financial Data with The Help of AI Methods: Analysis and Investigation” in category "Best Talk" (supervisor Dr. Jelena Mamčenko), and Paulius Bundza “MCADS: Out-of-Distribution Generalization of Multi-Label Chest X-Ray Classification Models Across Seven Architectures” in category "Best Scientist" (supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Justas Trinkūnas). Many thanks to all participants and lecturers who agreed to organize, participate, listen to all the presentations, view the posters, and select the best presenters. In today’s context, where organizations are rapidly adopting digital and data‑driven solutions, information systems have become a critical part of organizational and public infrastructure, challenges related to cybersecurity and data reliability are increasing, conferences such as JMK2026 play an especially important role by providing a platform for sharing the latest scientific insights, helping develop critical thinking, research presentation skills, and academic communication competencies of further scientists. See you next year. https://conferences.vilniustech.lt/index.php/SITIS/en

Between March 16 and 20 this year a delegation from the Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) carried out its third strategic visit to the United States. The group brought together representatives from Lithuanian universities, research institutes, and businesses, continuing efforts to deepen collaboration with one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems. VILNIUS TECH was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Audrius Grainys of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electronics. This year’s spring was full of new experiences for the transatlantic science and innovation community. A delegation with 18 members from 13 partnering science and business institutions of Lithuanian Consortium traveled to the world’s leading university to discuss further plans for joint research and projects. The visit agenda combined joint and individual meetings with MIT representatives. In parallel, the delegation engaged directly with MIT’s academic environment, attending classes, thesis defenses, and midterm project reviews of students at MIT schools and DesignX, dedicated to design innovation and entrepreneurship. These experiences provided first-hand insight into how MIT structures its learning process around active participation and real-world problem-solving. Reflecting on the visit, Professor Elizabeth Wood—founding director of the MIT-Ukraine Program and co-director of the MIT-Eurasia Program at the MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) —emphasized both the scope of these CIS-affiliated programs and the value of direct exchange: It was wonderful to have our Lithuanian colleagues from the Consortium visit MIT the week of March 16 as spring was just arriving. We were able to have excellent visits to many facilities at MIT, including meeting with the Vice Provost for International Activities, Duane Boning, and with the head of all the MIT libraries, Chris Bourg. The visit explored concrete ways to bring researchers and industry closer together, especially how to turn scientific ideas into real products and solutions. From Process to Impact Throughout the visit one idea kept coming up repeatedly: research and education are increasingly being judged by the real-world impact they create. According to Professor Wood, the conversations pointed to real changes already happening across Lithuanian universities: This visit helped me to clarify some of the fascinating directions that Lithuanian leaders in academia and industry are discussing, including moving to modernize and innovate in research and education. She also pointed to the importance of stronger collaboration between science and business, as well as more practice-oriented teaching models: I was intrigued by the discussion of building more ties between academia and industry so there can be more mutual support. Some MIT models of teaching that orient courses toward concrete proposals of tasks from the business community might be useful here. These insights were further reflected in conversations between Lithuanian and MIT representatives. Ina Žurkuvienė, the coordinator of the Lithuanian Consortium, elaborated: At MIT, there is a strong focus on how research contributes to real change in the world. Their portfolios are built around projects, inventions, and technologies. It raises an important question for us in Lithuania – what if we started measuring success more by impact than by process? While high-quality publications remain a cornerstone of science, broadening our criteria to value real-world outcomes alongside traditional metrics would allow a more holistic appreciation of a scientist’s contribution. At the same time, it was emphasized that such approaches require careful adaptation to national and European contexts rather than direct replication. The delegation met with possible partners to discuss these shifts, including Prof. Dr. Phillip Budden—who recently visited Lithuania—and Prof. Dr. Fiona Murray, Vice Chair of the NATO Innovation Fund. Their discussions focused on exploring future avenues for collaboration. Learning How Innovation Moves Through the Role of MIT Centers To better understand how ideas move from laboratories to the market, the delegation visited several MIT units, including the Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation. There, discussions with Executive Director Rana K. Gupta highlighted a highly selective commercialization model. Each year, the center reviews dozens of research proposals but supports only a small number of projects with strong potential for real-world application. A big part of this process relies on ‘Catalysts’ – experienced scientists who work side by side with researchers to test ideas, spot risks early, and help move projects toward the market. The Consortium’s coordinator stressed that this approach only works when there is a genuine trust between researchers and the people helping bring their ideas to market: That trust comes from shared experience – without it, even the best tools or processes are not enough. One more insightful visit was to the MIT Teaching and Learning Lab. It highlighted an approach to education focused on active learning. It was noted that students are expected to engage with theoretical material independently before class, while in-person time is dedicated to discussion, teamwork, and solving real-world challenges. This model is reinforced across MIT through early involvement in team-based projects, close collaboration with faculty and industry, and access to entrepreneurship platforms such as MIT DesignX, combining practical application with a strong interdisciplinary academic foundation. Testing Ideas in Practice The delegation also visited the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, one of the few university-based research reactors in the world. The facility enables advanced materials testing under extreme conditions, significantly accelerating research processes and supporting collaboration with industry partners developing next-generation energy technologies. Another important stop was at the Lithuanian-founded biotechnology company Northway Biotech in Waltham, Massachusetts. The tour of modern laboratories highlighted how the manufacturing technologies for biological medicinal products are developed and medicinal products are produced for clinical trials. The new member of the Consortium is continuing talks with Lithuanian Science institutions about a possible collaboration for building the joint Research and Innovation Centre for biotechnologies. The Center is primarily defined by its explicit focus on dual-use research. Idea was presented in a meeting with Prof. Dr. Robert Desimone, Dr. J. Christopher Love, Prof. Dr. Michael J. Cima, Prof. Dr. Hadley Sikes who was a guest speaker at the conference Human and More than Human Futures organized by the Lithuanian Consortium last October. Building the Momentum The engagement between Lithuanian institutions and MIT is already yielding concrete results. In the first year of collaboration, Lithuanian participants submitted seven MIT Global Seed Funds applications—administered through CIS—together with MIT researchers. Another tangible outcome is a planned joint academic micro-module under development by 6 Lithuanian universities, scheduled to launch in October 2026. The pilot initiative will connect students from Lithuanian universities with MIT’s academic environment through MITx and teaching practices. Reflecting on the broader exchange, Professor Wood also highlighted the mutual learning dimension of the visit: I also learned a lot about Lithuanian self-reliance and independence in conversations with members of the delegation. Overall, it was a fascinating and fruitful set of meetings and discussions. I’m delighted that so many wonderful colleagues were able to come to visit. Summarizing the experience, participants emphasized that MIT’s model should be seen as a source of inspiration rather than a blueprint. MIT’s environment is unique. You cannot simply transfer it to another system, Ina Žurkuvienė noted. Not all science needs to become business, but where it does, it requires strong support. This is a broader systemic question – but it is one worth exploring. Special thanks to Gediminas Urbonas, Deliana Ernst, Ekaterina Zabrovski for making this visit so enriching. About the Consortium The Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with MIT brings together leading Lithuanian universities, research institutions, and companies, including Euromonitor International, Ignitis Group, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Railways, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Klaipėda University, Kaunas University of Technology, Mykolas Romeris University, Northway Biotech, Novian, Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius TECH, Vilnius University, and Vilnius Academy of Arts. Coordinator of the Consortium - Vytautas Magnus University. Consortium activities are supported by the Research Council of Lithuania.