XVII International Scientific Conference

SECURITY 2030: AN ERA OF SMART TECHNOLOGIES, RESILIENT SOCIETIES, RISKS, AND CHALLENGES

hotel Granit, Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia

September 24-25, 2026

The aim of the Conference is to assemble academic scientists, researchers and practitioners from the region and beyond and to exchange and share their experience and research results related to the transformation of security in the era of advanced smart technologies.
The Conference will be organized in a hybrid format, allowing for onsite and online participation.
TOPICS
1. Smart Technologies and Security
 Artificial intelligence in risk prediction and management
 Autonomous systems (drones, vehicles, robots), their security, and their contribution to security
2. Security and Digital Resilience
 New generations of cyberattacks and defence
 Protection of critical infrastructure
 Contemporary environmental risks and climate security
 National security and defence strategies
3. Hybrid Threats and Information Security
 Disinformation, public manipulation, and media control
 Psychological operations and digital influence
 Transnational criminal networks and their digital evolution
 Hybrid conflicts and the role of new technologies
4. Resilient and Sustainable Societies
 Models for resilience development at local, national, and regional levels
 Crisis management in conditions of technological complexity
 Social cohesion and trust in institutions
 Education, digital literacy, and civic resilience
 Inclusive policies and protection of vulnerable groups
5. Ethics, Law, and Regulation in the Era of Smart Technologies
 Ethical dilemmas in the use of artificial intelligence
 Legal challenges related to autonomous decision-making and systems
 Human rights in the digital era
 International norms and standards for security
 Risks of technological dependence and concentration of power
6. Technologies Supporting Public Administration and Security Services
 Intelligent systems for surveillance, predictive analysis, and criminal investigations
 Strategies for management and traffic safety
 “Smart” cities and urban security models
 Biometric systems: benefits and risks
 Information systems for emergency management
 Interoperability among institutions
7. Economy, Innovation, and Security Industries
 Fourth-generation industry and security implications
 Economic risks and cyber-financial stability
 Investments in security and technological innovations
 The role of the private sector and the start-up ecosystem
8. International Cooperation and Global Security
 Geopolitical trends and technological competition
 Cross-border risks: migration, climate crises, and resources
 Science diplomacy and data sharing
Papers on topics that will contribute to the development of the sciences in the fields of security, police sciences, criminalistics, criminology, legal, psychological, economic, political and sociological sciences, languages and other sciences are also welcome.
The peer-reviewed papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings, available in EBSCO Host and Google Scholar.



SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS
Please submit your abstracts (max 250 words) via the following link
https://forms.gle/EvJktHLdwjZtW6J66



IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract submission April 30, 2026
Notification of abstract acceptance May 8, 2026
Paper submission June 30, 2026
Peer reviews July 31, 2026
Final paper submission August 10, 2026

More details about the abstract and paper submission can be found at web site of the Conference (http://fb.uklo.edu.mk/conference2026/).



REGISTRATION AND FEES
Early registration / Authors & presenters (until August 20, 2026) € 60
Regular registration / Authors & presenters (until September 10, 2026) € 80
Late registration / Authors & presenters (until September 20, 2026) € 100
Participants (general delegates) - no scientific paper submitted € 30
Students of third-cycle studies € 40

*Fee covers: The opportunity for publishing a positively peer-reviewed paper (peer review, proofreading, printing and available in international databases), one free meal (dinner on September 24 or lunch on September 25, 2026) and conference materials.

**Important notice: The authors who will not complete the payment until September 20, 2026 will not be allowed to participate at the Conference.








PAPER COMPOSITION GUIDELINES

The paper should be written in English, font Times New Roman.
Title of the paper: Capital letters, alignment centred, 14pt.
Author(s): Name, affiliation, e-mail, ORCID, alignment centred, 12pt.
Abstract: Single paragraph, maximum 250 words, alignment justified, 11pt.
For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent overview of the work.
The authors are encouraged to use the following style of structured abstracts, without headings:
1. Background: Place the question addressed in the broad context and highlight the purpose of the study;
2. Methods: Describe briefly the main methods or treatments applied;
3. Results: Summarize the main findings of the article, and
4. Conclusion: Indicate the main conclusions or interpretations.
The abstract should be an objective representation of the article, it must not contain results which are not presented and substantiated in the main text and should not exaggerate the main conclusions.
Keywords: Up to five words italicized, alignment justified, 11pt.
Text of the paper: 7.000-9.000 words, 1.5 line spacing, alignment justified, 11pt.
Titles of chapters, sections and subsections: bold, 14pt.
*Example:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CHAPTER 1
2.1. Section 2
2.1.1. Subsection 3
3. CONCLUSION
4. REFERENCES
Tables: Heading is above the table, bold, 1.5 line spacing, alignment justified, 10pt, numbered sequentially as referred to in the text (Table 1, Table 2, etc.).
Figures: Heading is under the table, bold, 1.5 line spacing, alignment justified, 10pt, numbered sequentially as referred to in the text (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.).
Citations: APA Style.
References: The sources should be listed in alphabetical order and according to APA Citation Style. More about in-text citation and references in APA style, please visit: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations

Each author will be required to sign a Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement.

XVII International Scientific Conference © 2026 by Faculty of Security – Skopje is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International



TOPIC OVERVIEW
Over the past decade, the accelerated development of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automation has significantly transformed the way contemporary societies function. By 2030, these changes are expected to penetrate even more deeply into everyday life, creating new opportunities while also generating a range of complex security risks. The era of smart technologies—from intelligent infrastructures and autonomous systems to predictive analytics and cyber-physical platforms—offers the potential to build more productive, sustainable and resilient communities. At the same time, it opens space for new forms of threats: highly sophisticated cyberattacks, data manipulation, violations of privacy, hybrid threats and operations, as well as an increased dependence on technological systems which, without adequate protection, may pose risks to critical infrastructure and to overall societal development.
Security is increasingly becoming a dynamic, multi-layered and interdisciplinary field that connects technology, society, politics, the economy and individual responsibility. Future resilient societies will depend on the ability to anticipate threats, manage risks in real time, and build a culture of trust and digital literacy. This new era requires proactive solutions, innovative governance models and continuous adaptation to the rapid changes driven by technological progress.
In such an environment, the role of the police, security agencies, other institutions within the security system, and society as a whole is of particular importance. Continuous change and adaptation of working methods are required to address growing challenges and emerging trends. More than ever before, circumstances are changing at an accelerated pace, global developments are increasingly felt across all spheres of social life, and the need for change and lifelong learning is becoming an integral part of the development of every society.
The academic community has a crucial and irreplaceable role in shaping security in the era of smart technologies. As a driver of knowledge and innovation, it provides scientifically grounded analyses, methodologies and recommendations that enable institutions and societies to prepare for, manage and respond to the complex risks of the near future, with particular focus on the horizon towards 2030.

AIMS OF THE CONFERENCE

The aim of the conference is to provide a platform for scientific debate, knowledge exchange, and multidisciplinary cooperation regarding the transformation of security in the era of advanced smart technologies. The event seeks to bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and institutional representatives in order to:
 analyse the dynamics of contemporary and future security risks related to digitalisation, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence;
 identify new opportunities for building resilient societies through the appropriate use of technology;
 promote innovative, evidence-based solutions and risk management models;
 encourage regional and international cooperation in addressing transnational security challenges;
 enhance the role of science in shaping modern security policies and ethical standards.
The conference aims to contribute to the development of a shared vision of security by 2030, grounded in scientific evidence, inclusive practices, and technology that serves societal development and stability.


INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME COMMITTEE
1. Prof. Dr. Vlado Kambovski, Academician, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts;
2. Prof. Dr. Jonce Ivanovski, Dean of the Faculty of Security, Skopje, Chair;
3. Prof. Dr. Katerina Krstevska Savovoska, Vice-Dean for Teaching, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
4. Prof. Dr. Snezana Mojsoska, Vice-Dean for Finance, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
5. Prof. Dr. Igor Nedelkovski, Rector of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bitola, Member;
6. Prof. Dr. Svetlana Nikoloska, Vice-Rector of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bitola, Member;
7. Prof. Dr. Zlate Dimovski, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
8. Prof. Dr. Natasha Pelivanova, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
9. Prof. Dr. Marjan Nikolovski, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
10. Prof. Dr. Vesna Stefanovska, Faculty of Security, Skopje, Member;
11. Prof. Dr. Tatjana Spaseska, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prilep, Member;
12. Prof. Dr. Gabor Kovacs, President of the Association of European Police Colleges and Dean of the Faculty of Law Enforcement at the University of Public Service Ludovika, Budapest, Hungary;
13. Prof. Dr. Ivan Vidolov, Rector of the Academy of the Ministry of Interior, Sofia, Bulgaria;
14. Prof. Dr. Simo Mihov, Vice-Rector of the Academy of the Ministry of Interior, Sofia, Bulgaria;
15. Prof. Dr. Zoran Đurđević, Rector of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia;
16. Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Bošković, Vice-Rector of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, Serbia;
17. Prof. Dr. Darko Trifunović, Director of the Institute for National and International Security, Belgrade, Serbia;
18. Prof. Dr. Damir Piplica, Dean of the Faculty of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Croatia;
19. Prof. Dr. Ante Orlović, Dean of the University of Applied Sciences in Criminal Investigation and Public Security;
20. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirzo Selimić, Director of College “Centre for Business Studies”, Kiseljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
21. Prof. Dr. Stanislav Šišulák, Rector of the Academy of Police Forces, Bratislava, Slovakia;
22. Prof. Dr. Branislav Kováčik, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia;
23. Prof. Dr. Rastislav Kazanský, Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia;
24. Prof. Dr. Julius Piwowarski, Rector of Aperion University, Kraków, Poland;
25. Prof. Dr. Igor Bernik, Dean of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, Ljubljana, University of Maribor, Slovenia.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
1. Ass. Prof. Dr. Stevco Jolakoski, Chairman
2. Ass. Prof. Dr. Kire Babanoski
3. Prof. Dr. Marina Malis Sazdovska
4. Prof. Dr. Snezana Mojsoska
5. Prof. Dr. Nikola Dujovski
SECRETARIAT
M.Sc. Elena Dimovska M.Sc. Olivera Trajanova Gjorgjieski Kemal Rushid