Critical infrastructure systems (CIS) are the backbone of modern society, spanning a wide range of sectors including energy, transportation, water supply, telecommunications, security, healthcare, finance, etc. These systems are of vital importance for the functioning of economies, the well-being of citizens, as well as the efficient functioning of state bodies. They are interconnected and interdependent, which means that the disruption of even one system or part of it can have cascading and devastating effects in other systems and in society.

With the increased complexity and integration of CIS, security risks and challenges increase as most of today's critical infrastructures are based on cyber-physical systems, meaning they contain both physical and virtual aspects based on technology solutions. This structure exposes critical systems to the risks of natural disasters, cyber-attacks, physical attacks and other disasters that can have devastating consequences. Ensuring CIS security starts with identifying the threats they exploit various vulnerabilities of these systems. This requires constant investment in infrastructure maintenance, modernization and security measures, as well as cooperation between governments, private sector entities, scientific institutions, as well as civil society organizations.

An additional challenge is communication within and between different systems. Two-way communication can have advantages such as faster response times, but it is also subject to additional security concerns such as loss of control over intelligent systems, especially in the face of threats from multiple sources or resulting from the interdependence of multiple sector vulnerabilities. The diversity of system types, as well as the types of attacks that can cause them, require more comprehensive techniques that are able to detect threats of a different nature. These comprehensive detection methods must rely on artificial intelligence to accurately identify and classify threats under conditions of uncertainty and the need for rapid response.

On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing area in the technology industry. The importance of AI stems from its transformative potential in multiple domains, such as CIS. AI's prominent role in the CIS (energy, transport, banking, financial instrument markets, health, water, wastewater, digital infrastructure, public administration, space, food processing and distribution), lies in its ability to drive innovation, improve efficiency and solving complex challenges in different domains, ultimately shaping the future of our economy and society. In other words, the integration of AI into CIS has the potential to improve the resilience, security and efficiency of infrastructure systems, ensuring the continued functioning of essential services on which social stability relies. Many researchers and developers are widely applying methods and techniques that simulate human-like intelligence in CIS algorithmic operations.

The potential benefits of using AI in CIS are undeniable, but careful planning, development and implementation of these solutions is necessary to minimize risks and ensure responsible use of this powerful technology. One of the biggest problems is the lack of theoretical knowledge in this area. Most studies show the impressive results of new methods without explaining in detail how they are further generalized in the face of future unforeseeable challenges. This lack of transparency and analysis of strategic risks has reduced people's confidence in new approaches. Moreover, it has made it difficult to apply appropriate international and national regulation, as well as regulation techniques as an integral part of applying AI methods to any real-world application. The exponential development and integration of AI into all aspects of technology has also raised ideological and ethical dilemmas. Reports highlight that reliance on AI could create new system vulnerabilities that could be maliciously exploited.

In short, as our world becomes increasingly interconnected and technology-driven, protecting vital infrastructure from emerging threats and improving its efficiency through AI-based solutions has become imperative.

The CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS IN THE VI ERA: CIS-VI Nexus conference is dedicated to exploring the symbiotic relationship between CIS and AI, and is poised to unravel the complexities and potential of the convergence of these two transformative domains. It serves as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange. We invite researchers, engineers, policy-makers, industry leaders, practitioners and investors to join us in shaping the future of critical infrastructure resilience and sustainability through innovative technology integration of AI.

Through keynotes, thought-provoking panels, interactive exercise and presentations of the latest research, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how AI can revolutionize the management, protection and optimization of critical infrastructure systems. We invite you to explore new methodologies together, share best practices and chart a path to a more secure, efficient and adaptable infrastructure.

Below are the key topics and objectives of the conference.

• Opportunities and challenges:

o Exploring the potential of AI to improve the efficiency, reliability, security, management, leadership and human resources of critical infrastructure systems.

o Identifying and addressing challenges and risks associated with integrating AI into critical infrastructure, such as security and cyber security, data integrity and quality, regulatory and ethical issues, transparency, privacy, explainability and misunderstanding.

• Policy and regulation:

o Development of regulatory frameworks and policies for responsible and ethical use of AI in critical infrastructure.

o Addressing concerns about security, protection and potential abuse of AI in critical infrastructure.

• Technical considerations:

o Researching the technical requirements and challenges for the development and implementation of AI for critical infrastructure systems.

o Solving issues related to data security, physical security and interoperability in critical entities driven by AI.

• Application:

o Presentation of the application of AI in various technical infrastructure systems: Energy sector, Transport systems, Communication systems, Water supply and waste water systems, Security and Defence sector.

o Presentation of the application of AI in various non-technical infrastructure systems: government institutions, emergency services, healthcare systems, financial services, food and agriculture, chemical industry, defense industrial facilities, etc.

o Discussion of specific AI use cases in these systems, such as risk management, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, functional optimization, system robustness and reliability, scalability and interoperability, human-machine collaboration, and decision support.

• Artificial intelligence as decision support:

o Leveraging AI to support decision-making in critical infrastructure operations, such as power grid management, traffic control, water supply systems, smart urban infrastructure, communication networks, supply chains, resource allocation, etc.

o Exploring the implications and limitations of using AI for decision making in critical systems.

• Artificial intelligence for risk management, resilience and sustainability:

o Risk management insights, trends and usage in the AI era.

o Using AI to increase the resilience of critical systems to natural disasters, disruptions, and other types of malicious threats.

o Exploring the role of AI in building more sustainable and resilient critical infrastructure systems.

• AI for predictive analysis:

o Development of algorithms for detecting anomalies through AI for early identification of potential problems, vulnerabilities and threats in critical systems.

o Using AIs to predict failures and optimize maintenance activities for critical systems.

• AI for data security analysis:

o Using AI to improve the security of critical systems from cyber attacks.

o Development of AI-based systems to detect and prevent intrusions into critical systems.

• AI for data integrity and quality analysis:

o Analysis of AI models involved in critical systems that rely heavily on data in decision-making, operation and maintenance of those systems. Incomplete, biased, inaccurate or false data can lead to wrong predictions and decisions.

o Using data analysis to manipulate and detect unauthorized changes to data that may compromise the integrity of AI systems, especially in critical systems where information accuracy is critical.

ADDITIONALLY:

• Region- or country-specific topics that reflect local challenges and opportunities in critical infrastructure and AI.
• Panel discussions that encourage the exchange of ideas and initiatives from a variety of participants, including researchers, engineers, policy makers and industry practitioners.
• Workshop focusing on specific applications, technical challenges and policy issues.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Keynotes: Eminent experts will share insights into the role of AI in protecting critical entities.
• Research Papers: Presentations on new algorithms, case studies and best practices to be published in the Conference book of abstracts/proceedings.
• Panel discussion: Join the debates about the future of AI-based infrastructure.

• Exercise: "Responding to a Cyber Incident", organized by the National CERT and the Foundation: Cybersecurity Network.

The Center for Risk Analysis and Crisis Management (CARUK) - Belgrade,

and with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovations of the Republic of Serbia

08:30 – 09:00 Registration of participants

09:00 WELCOME SPEACHES AND OPENING REMARKS

09:30 – 11.00 PLENARY SPEACHES

Vladan Devedžić, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts

Stefan Badža, Advisor to the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

Bojan Tomić, Head Assistant of the Department for Emergency Situations of the MoI of the RS

11:00 – 11.30 Coffee break

11:30 – 13.00 PANEL ONE: SECURITY RELATED ISSUES OF IMPLEMENTING AI IN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

Moderator:  Marija Đorić, PhD, University of Belgrade, Institute for Political Studies; Jelena Dinić, PhD, Singidunum University, Belgrade

Artificial Intelligence in Support of the Risk Assessment for Critical Entities, Alessandro Lazari, PhD, Post Doc Researcher at Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Security and Resilience of Critical Infrastructure, Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento - Lecce - Italy

Current Trends and Challenges in the AI-Cyber Threat Landscape, Gil Baram, PhD, Research Scholar at the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity and the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab, University of California Berkeley

The Role of AI in Detecting and Mitigating Security Threats, Ranka Stanković, Full professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mining and Geology

Cybersecurity Challenges in the Digital Transformation of the Water Industry, Nikola Milivojević, PhD, Jaroslav Černi Water Institute, Belgrade, Serbia 

Improvement and Enhancement of the Airport Security and Safety with AI, Tomislav Tuntev, PhD, TAV Macedonia, Gjorgi Alcheski, PhD,TAV Macedonia

Artificial Intelligence  and Cyber Security: Possibilities and Risks, Ana Kovačević, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies; Dragana Nikolić, PhD, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca"

Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Industry: Possibilities, Constrains and Path Forward, Dragana Nikolić, PhD, Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinca"; Ana Kovačević, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies

Artificial Intelligence as a Critical Infrastructure, Principles and Reduction of Cyber Risk, Branko Primetica, Managing Director, Cedars International d.o.o. Regional Director for USAID’s Cybersecurity Protection and Response” program

Presentation of innovative technical solutions for the protection of infrastructure systems

13:00 – 14.00 Lunch break

14:00 – 15.30 PANEL TWO: THE FUTURE OF SMART INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

Moderator:  Dejan Mirčetić, PhD, Institute for AI of Republic of Serbia

Emergent AI Technologies and Future Trends, Zoran Miljković, Full Professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Towards a Secure Computing Continuum (IoT, Edge, Cloud, and Dataspaces), Luigi Romano, Full Professor, Computer Engineering University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples (Italy)

Fusion of Machine Learning and Metaheuristics for Practical Infrastructure Security Solutions, Nebojša Bačanin-Džakula, Full Professor, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Head of study program Applied Artificial Intelligence and Vice-Rector for Scientific Research

DyRes Project Overview: Integrating Dynamic Resilience and AI in Water Resource Management, Milan Stojković, PhD, Institute for AI of Republic of Serbia

An overview of the Current State and Future Prospects of Space Activities in Serbia, Marko Gavrilović, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering; Mathematical Institute of Serbian Academy of Science and Arts; EUROMECH/European Mechanics Society

AI driven supply chains, Dejan Mirčetić, Institute for AI of Republic of Serbia

Presentation of innovative technical solutions for the protection of infrastructure systems

18:00 – 21.00 Social event

09:00 – 10:30 PANEL THREE: LEGAL, ETHICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS AND IMPLICATIONS OF AI IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Moderator:  Gordana Paović Jeknić,, University of Montenegro, Faculty of Law

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Detecting and Suppressing Criminal Offences Against Critical Infrastructure in the Energy and Transport Fields, Velimir Rakočević,,University of Montenegro, Faculty of Law

The Present and the Future of Regulating Liability for Damage Caused by the Movement of Autonomous Vehicles, Vladimir Savković, University of Montenegro, Faculty of Law

Thinking Outside the Box: AI – Ethical and Legal Issues, Milos Knežević, University of Montenegro, Faculty of Civil Engineering

Ethical Guidelines for the Development, Application and Use of Reliable and Responsible AI in the Republic of Serbia, Ljubomir Kljajić, Patent and IP attorney, AI legislation expert, Former member of The Committee on AI, Council of Europe

Presentation of innovative technical solutions for the protection of infrastructure systems

10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break

11:00 – 12.30 PANEL 4: ENHANCING INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE THROUGH COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES TO AI INTEGRATION

Moderator:  Ozren Džigurski, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies

Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Science - Challenges and Risks, Elizabeta Ristanović, University of Defence, Belgrade

Improving Infrastructure Resilience through Collaborative Approaches to AI Integration, Vesna Spasojević Brkić, PhD, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering

Artificial intelligence from the perspective of standardization, Ivan Babić, Goran Bajić, Institute for Standardization of Serbia

Application of machine learning to improvement of hail suppression system, Dragana Vujović, Aleksandar Zečević, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics

Data Protection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Mile Šikman, University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Security Sciences

The role of artificial intelligence in light of the upcoming implementation of the NIS2 Directive, Branislav Dobrosavljević, ACS/Advanced Cyber ​​Security, Advisor to the General Director

Presentation of innovative technical solutions for the protection of infrastructure systems

12:30 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUDING REMARKS

Note: On the second day of the conference, a "Cyber ​​Incident Response" exercise will be organized by the National CERT of the Republic of Serbia and the Cyber ​​Security Network Foundation.

IN Hotel Belgrade, Bulevar Arsenija Carnojevica 56, Belgrade, Serbia.

Room reservations are open until October 1, 2024. After this date, reservations cannot be guaranteed.