Societies are changing - in social, political, and economic terms. There is no doubt that these transformation processes have accelerated in recent decades and have brought about profound changes. Keywords such as individualization, globalization, or digital revolution present significant challenges to social interaction, but they also offer potential for the further development of societies. Lifestyles are becoming more diverse, educational opportunities fairer, and the age range of those actively engaged in professional or civic life is expanding. At the same time, stagnating economic growth, climate change, and increasing social polarization present pressing issues that require effective measures to address them. The fifth volume of the series "University - Society - Industry" sheds light on these topics.