WORD OF WELCOME

Welcome to Rijeka to the 2nd International Conference on Industrial Heritage. Two years ago some 150 people from 15 countries found their way to Rijeka, submitted 40 papers which were discussed; experience was exchanged and new friendships established.
 
Supported by world reputable experts in the field of the industrial heritage, Rijeka makes efforts to preserve the most valuable from its own rich industrial heritage for the future generations. The past Conference was focused on the history of the Torpedo factory from Rijeka at the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
 
This year we celebrate the 120th anniversary of Rijeka’s Water Supply System building and that is why the motto of this years Conference is: Rijeka, a City on Water and Sea. For the Conference we mainly expect to receive papers and initiate discussions related to the existence of the city of Rijeka and survival of its citizens on the banks of the Rje~ina River and along the Adriatic coast.
 
However, the papers and initiatives for discussions on industrial heritage general issues will also be welcome. In the past decades many industries were abandoned, trading routes changed, and the world changed rapidly. In this process the voice of an expert must be crucial in taking decisions about what should be preserved for future generations, and what can be left to sink in oblivion.
 
We would like you to feel nice and comfortable in Rijeka, to establish here useful contacts with world-wide experts, to confirm existing friendships and make new ones.
 
Miljenko Smokvina
President of the Organisation Committee
and President of the PRO TORPEDO Rijeka