Industrial production in Paraná grew again in May and performed better than the national average. Despite the positive result in the month, accumulated indicators show that the sector still faces difficulties in recovering the pace of growth, placing productivity at the center of strategies to increase the competitiveness of the industry in Paraná. Data from the Regional Monthly Industrial Survey (PIM Regional), from IBGE, collected by the Economic Advisory Center of the Federation of Industries of Paraná (Fiep), indicate that the state's industry increased 1.4% in May compared to April, considering seasonal adjustments. The result placed Paraná among the five best performances in the country in the period, while the national average decreased by 0.2%. However, the state accumulates a drop of 1.3% in the year and 1.7% in the last 12 months, a lower performance than that recorded by the Brazilian industry in these indicators. More than increasing the volume produced, experts believe that the main challenge is increasing companies' productivity. In a scenario of high costs, pressure for competitiveness and accelerated technological transformation, efficiency gains have become a determining factor in sustaining investments, expanding margins and competing in markets. The survey data shows that the recovery also occurs unevenly across industrial segments. While the manufacture of coke, petroleum derivatives and biofuels grew 19.3% compared to the same month last year and the manufacture of motor vehicles increased 7.2%, activities such as electrical machines, appliances and materials (-20.9%), beverages (-11.5%) and machinery and equipment (-9.6%) recorded significant declines. In the assessment of Evânio Felippe, coordinator of NAE, at Fiep, "this scenario reinforces the need to accelerate investments in industrial modernization. Automation, artificial intelligence, process digitalization, systems integration, data analysis and professional qualification are among the main tools capable of increasing companies' productivity and improving Paraná's competitiveness." Solutions will be available at the fair Productivity has become one of the main indicators of industrial competitiveness. Disclosure/Gelson Bampi. For industrialist and sponsor of Expo + Indústria, Jackson Bisi, the industry's challenge is no longer just to increase production. "Productivity has become one of the main indicators of industrial competitiveness. Companies that can produce more efficiently, reduce losses, integrate technologies and qualify their teams respond better to market changes and create conditions for sustainable growth." According to Bisi, technological advances make this movement even more necessary. "Today there are affordable solutions for companies of different sizes. Artificial intelligence, automation, data analysis and digital manufacturing are no longer trends to become management tools. The challenge is to bring these technologies closer to the industrial environment and show how they can generate concrete results." In addition to institutional action in defense of industry competitiveness, Fiep has been expanding initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge, innovation and digital transformation, promoting events, programs and connection environments between companies, experts and technology suppliers. Among these initiatives is Expo + Indústria 2026, which will be held from August 25th to 27th, at the Expotrade Convention Center, in Pinhais. The fair will bring together solutions aimed at industrial productivity, with technology demonstrations, business rounds, lectures, innovation environments and presentation of tools to increase the efficiency of operations. Expo + Indústria Service 2026 ? August 25th to 27th, 2026 ? Expotrade Convention Center – Pinhais (PR) Free registration: https://www.expomaisindustria.com.br/quero-visitar Information for exhibitors: https://www.expomaisindustria.com.br/quero-expor