Following an era of fast-paced evolution of digital technologies, digital disruption and digital transformation, Society 5.0 refers to “A human-centered society that balances economic advancement with the resolution of social problems by a system that highly integrates cyberspace and physical space”. As Society 5.0 aims to address social challenges and achieve a sustainable, inclusive, people-oriented society, it also contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Society 5.0 advocates the adoption of digital technologies to increase global prosperity. The cyber-physical space consists of interconnected systems and devices, collecting and sending data. A human-centred society demands the inclusion of the human when considering applications and interactions in the cyber-physical space. This conference focuses on aspects of interconnectedness and interaction – where the human in this potentially complex interaction is investigated and considered through the application of different lenses and interdisciplinary fields. The aim of this enquiry is to design and develop technological products and services that not only meet human needs, but that also consider the human experience when engaging in the cyber-physical space and that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference was hosted by universities in South Africa (University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, University of the Free State, Akademia) from 18 June to 1 July 2026 at the Skukuza Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa. This multi- and interdisciplinary conference is continuing to grow into a premier international conference series with steering committee members from FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the University of Camerino (Italy), University of the Free State (South Africa), Akademia (South Africa), University of South Africa, the Universidad EAFIT (Colombia), the University of Technology Mauritius, the Business School of the Shenzhen Technology University (China), the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (Malaysia), and Putra Business School (Malaysia).
Publication Date: 2026-06-11