In this work, three hydraulic fluids—a paraffinic mineral hydraulic oil (H46) and two biodegradable oils (HETG46—hydraulic oil based on natural esters and HF-E46—hydraulic oil based on synthetic esters derived from fatty acids extracted from vegetable oils)—were studied in both fresh and thermally degraded states. The study of these oils was performed both from a rheological and spectroscopic point of view using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermal degradation process consisted of repeated heating and cooling cycles at four different temperatures for 15 min performed eight times. The rheological characterization was initially performed for the fresh oils, and the results obtained were compared with those of the thermally degraded samples. For the rheological characterization, two rheological models (the Newtonian model and the power law model) were used, following which the rheological parameters were determined. At the same time, this work highlights how thermal degradation influences the rheological behavior and chemical structure of hydraulic fluids. The results obtained showed that the Newtonian model best describes the rheological behavior of the analyzed fluids. From a chemical point of view, FTIR analysis did not reveal significant changes between fresh fluids and those subjected to thermal degradation.

The European Commission has published in 2020 the SMEs Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe that aims to increase the number of SMEs engaged in sustainable business practices, as well as the SMEs number that use digital technologies. Important opportunities for SMEs can be provided by digitization, to improve the production processes efficiency and the ability to innovate products and business models, by using advanced disruptive technologies. Good management is needed for a successful SME, education and entrepreneurship training have the role of consolidating business knowledge and skills. Educational activities and skills upgrading are essential for all SMEs managers and employees. Romania is on the last place in EU, regarding SMEs number and it ranks 11th place out of 28, in terms of connectivity. Regarding the digital maturity of Romanian SMEs, the White Papers on Romanian SMEs presents their main working elements: computer, e-mail applications, internet, intranet, social networks, the company's own website, online sales / purchases transactions. The objectives of the Bachelor's degree specialization of Economic Engineering in Mechanical field and Industrial Entrepreneurship Master are students training and education, in order to be able to sustain digitization and sustainable technologies. The university curriculum and the educational disciplines offered by the Economic Engineering in Mechanical field specialization and Industrial Entrepreneurship Master is connected to the society requirements and must follow the economic trend, by educating, training and getting good specialists. Keywords: SMEs development, education, entrepreneurship