In her research, Dr Milisavljevic-Syed is designing for the evolvability of cyber-physical-social systems by integrating human, artificial, and organisational intelligence. Her work advances adaptive, sustainable, and human-aligned service systems that are capable of continuous learning and transformation.

     At Cranfield’s Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre (SMSC), she directs research connecting AI-supported decision-making, digital retrofitting, and sustainability transition in manufacturing. Her group develops computational and organisational frameworks for Multi-Intelligence Agents (MIAs), agents designed to support complex decision-making across the physical–digital–social continuum, contributing directly to the UK’s Industry 5.0 and Net Zero ambitions.

     Her current academic and leadership activities focus on:

• Developing adaptive decision frameworks for smart manufacturing and healthcare services.
• Extending Design for Dynamic Management (DFDM) into a formal Decision Engineering Framework (DEF) for responsive and sustainable production.
• Leading Cranfield–Ireland collaboration on dynamic modular contract design for adaptive healthcare governance.
• Supervising doctoral and MSc research on designing MIAs, digital servitisation, and sustainability analytics.
• Embedding research outcomes into teaching and programme leadership within the Engineering Competence (MSc / L7 Apprenticeship) to prepare engineers for digital-sustainability leadership.

     Complementing her academic portfolio, Dr Milisavljevic-Syed actively translates research into consultancy and commercial impact, helping organisations navigate the twin transition of digitalisation and sustainability. She provides strategic guidance in Industry 5.0 strategy, AI-enabled decision systems, and digital retrofitting, working with partners such as Tata Consultancy Services (India), Romilly Life Sciences (UK), and Bunbury Hospital (Western Australia).

     She describes her mission as “designing the next frontier of Industry 5.0 by weaving together AI, manufacturing systems, and sustainable service innovation.” Bringing an international perspective that bridges academia and industry, she is shaping how organisations transform for the era of evolving cyber-physical-social systems. Her work connects research with practice across healthcare, defence, and advanced manufacturing, turning complex challenges into opportunities for smarter, more resilient systems. She thrives on co-creating solutions that align digital transformation with sustainability and human needs, collaborating with those who want to design services and operations that are adaptive, equitable, and innovation-driven.