Assoc. Prof. Zlatko Stapić, PhD

Zlatko Stapić is the Vice Dean for Education and Students at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics. He also serves as the Head of the Laboratory for Applied Software Engineering and is an Associate Professor at the Department of Information Systems Development, where his research focuses on various aspects of software engineering, development processes, and methodologies, with a recent emphasis on the application of AI in teaching software engineering. He has led and participated in more than 30 international and national scientific and professional projects and has authored over 60 scientific and professional papers. Committed to the continuous innovation of the teaching process, he employs innovative teaching and learning methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, he places special emphasis on collaboration with students through industry-related projects

From Engineers to AI Curators: Are We Training Ourselves Out of a Job?

Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the role of engineers across industries. As AI automates complex problem-solving, design, and decision-making, engineers are transitioning from hands-on creators to curators—overseeing, refining, and directing AI-driven processes rather than executing them manually. At the organizational level, AI is optimizing workflows, redefining team structures, and accelerating innovation, often reducing reliance on traditional engineering roles. While human expertise remains essential, the nature of engineering work is shifting towards guiding AI systems, ensuring ethical and high-quality outcomes, and focusing on strategic innovation. The real question is: Are we embracing this evolution, or are we unknowingly making ourselves obsolete?