Envisioning the future: social work research and discourse in the age of Industry 4.0

The main conference theme was 'Envisioning the Future: Social Work Research and Discourse in the Age of Industry 4.0'.Social work is a profession whose identity, societal image, ethics and core values are based on an orientation towards people who often come from very vulnerable contexts.Technological innovation significantly impacts various levels of human life and social relations, which, in turn, reshape the landscape of practice and research in social work and social policy.On the individual level, technologies may contribute to self-identity, self-control and the perpetuation of a personal narrative.On the macro level, through changing mentality and cultural norms, they can destabilise existing institutions, power relations, social structures, reigning economic and technological systems, and cultural assumptions.Changes in social work practice, research and education brought about by new technologies shape the discourse and alter social work identity, relationships and practices, affecting political, ideological and academic discourses relevant to the profession and the lives of vulnerable groups.The conference was attended by more than 500 participants from 39 European and non-European countries and represented an important opportunity for sharing critical debates focusing on how technologies shape our practice as researchers, educators and practitioners.The conference theme was first approached through seven