Congress Coordination: The EDO International Congress (CIEDO) has a well-established track record. Could you describe its evolution from its beginnings in 2010 to this 2025 edition and highlight the importance of collaboration among the organizing institutions?

Jesús Martínez: CIEDO began in 2010 with the collaboration of the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialized Training (CEJFE). Since 2014, the School of Public Administration of Catalonia (EAPC) has joined as a co-organizing institution. The Congress is held biennially and has become a highly impactful international event. This collaboration between the University (EDO/CRiEDO), Public Administration (CEJFE and EAPC), and the private sector is essential and clearly demonstrates that new realities require a collaborative institutional and professional process.

Congress Coordination: Over the years, the Congress has featured speakers of recognized prestige. What can you tell us about the importance of these speakers and the quality of the contributions presented?

Jesús Martínez: CIEDO has a long-standing tradition and international recognition, continuing the legacy of previous congresses on training and professional development. The selection of contributions (keynotes, symposia, panels, workshops, thematic conversations, posters) is a central task of the Scientific Committee. Attendees have consistently praised the quality of the speakers and experts, highlighting keynote presentations by top-level international figures such as Steve Dale, Javier Martínez Aldanondo, Jay Cross, Victoria Marsick, David Gurteen, Charles Jennings, Jane Hart, Tom Young, Harold Jarche, José Antonio Marina, Etienne Wenger, Nancy Dixon, and others.

Congress Coordination: The 2025 edition addresses a highly relevant topic: the impact of Artificial Intelligence. What specific aspects will be covered, and how is this theme reflected in the program?

Jesús Martínez: The theme of the 8th CIEDO in 2025 is “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Knowledge Management and Organizations in Society 5.0.” This topic responds to the need to analyze organizational learning in the current context, marked by the expansion of digital technologies and AI. The program includes keynotes on anthropology versus humanism and humanistic leadership in the AI era, as well as specific symposia and workshops on the use of AI in instructional design, its integration into training contexts, its impact on organizational and leadership models, and managing ignorance in times of information overload and AI. Ethical considerations related to the design and development of AI are also addressed.

Congress Coordination: Beyond the specific topics, what fundamental role does CIEDO play in professional development and updating in the field of organizational learning and knowledge management?

Jesús Martínez: The Congress is a key space for analyzing and debating new approaches and strategies in the creation and management of collective knowledge, fostering the exchange of research, experiences, and best practices. In a complex and ever-changing world, where navigating uncertainty is crucial, CIEDO enables professionals to stay up to date in areas such as talent management, social and informal learning, networking, communities of practice, and active methodologies. It helps professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to face the challenges of lifelong learning.

Congress Coordination: With just one month to go before the Congress, could you extend an invitation to interested professionals? What would be the most important message to convey?

Jesús Martínez: I would say the following:

In a time of profound transformation, where Artificial Intelligence is redefining our organizations and ways of learning, the 8th EDO International Congress 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to update your knowledge, discuss the challenges and opportunities of knowledge management in Society 5.0 under the impact of AI, and exchange experiences with experts and colleagues from various sectors and countries. With a solid track record and the collaboration of leading institutions such as the UAB (EDO/CRiEDO), CEJFE, and EAPC, CIEDO 2025 offers a high-quality program with prestigious keynote speakers and various participation formats (symposia, workshops, thematic conversations, communication panels, and posters) addressing the most relevant current issues. Participating in CIEDO is an investment in your professional development and a contribution to the creation and management of the collective knowledge our organizations and society need. We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona from June 4 to 6, 2025, to build the future of organizational learning together!

Bibliographic Reference:

Promoter of new learning contexts in public administration. Over the past two decades, he has been involved in the (re)introduction of knowledge management and organizational learning in organizations. The most prominent tool (though not the only one) he has explored in depth is Communities of Practice, which he has promoted—some of them with a lifespan of nearly 20 years.

He has been a promoter and facilitator of the INAP training community for 10 years.

Author of several books on training and learning. He has published more than 500 posts on his blog Collaborative Work and Learning Blog – Reflections and Resources on Training and Learning (jesusmartinezmarin.org)