Knowledge is becoming an increasingly important resource for economic development. The Republic of Croatia is facing the challenges of the world economy, with the aim to meet certain requirements in shaping the education system. Ensuring the quality assurance of the education system is just one of the requirements set up as a continuous mission of University of Zagreb Faculty of Metallurgy and other co-organizers from the high-education. As the level of education of the population affects the progress of the economy, it is extremely important for the Republic of Croatia to increase the ratio of highly educated persons. In recent years, the ratio of the highly educated population of the Republic of Croatia has been growing, but in comparison with Europe, Croatia is still lagging behind. In order to increase the share of highly educated persons, it is necessary to invest in the quality of education, both in higher education and in secondary and primary education. This would increase awareness of the importance of education, which would ultimately result in an increase in the ratio of highly educated and competent professionals. Metal industry as a base branch represents an important factor contributing to the economic potential of each country. Current market development as well as technical and economic objective, the production of high-quality, low-cost and environmentally friendly casting, requires application of recent and advanced materials, as well as production technologies, followed and supported by understanding of production process. The metal industry has been recognized as a “driving subdivision” of economy development. The motto of the 19th International Foundrymen Conference is focused to the HUMANS as a valuable resource for foundry industry development. Human resources have an unavoidable role in scientific, technological and practical aspects concerning research, development and application of casting technology with the common perspective – increase of competitiveness. Special attention will be focused towards the competitiveness ability of foundries, improvement of materials features and casting technologies, environmental protection as well as subjects connected to the application of castings.