The students receive strong theoretical, research methodology, and scientific backgrounds, and complete their research individually, with some guidance from their supervisors. Supervision is offered by the top experts and wood scientists in Hungary. The topics are typically linked to industrial research or innovation projects so that Sopron doctoral graduates have not only strong theoretical backgrounds but are very practical scientists as well.

Smart Manufacturing refers to the fully integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real-time to meet changing demands and conditions in the smart factory, in the supply network, and in customer needs. It is the use of real-time data and cutting-edge technologies to support factories to make effective and accurate engineering decisions and create highly differentiated, cost-effective and competitive products that match the market needs.