Manufacturing in Europe is under great pressure from structural changes
in the global economy. The high technical, social and cultural standards
in Europe mean that our manufacturing enterprises lead the world but
inevitably production and consumption continues to migrate to regions
that allow higher profitability from lower costs of production with the
promise of new markets. Structural changes in European industries will
influence employment and welfare. However, there are signs of a new
High-Adding-Value industrial revolution. This book has the answers that
will allow us to avoid the negative consequences of this migration.
A new model of future manufacturing - ManuFuture - has been forged in
discussion with the world's leading scientists in manufacturing and many
experts from research, industry and economic policy. The results of
this, the road to competitive and sustainable manufacturing, are
captured in this fundamental book. The generic Model of ManuFuture, a
Vision 2020 and a Strategic Research Agenda and the proactive
initiatives required are presented here. They show the approach to
manufacturing in the age of knowledge and the actions that must be
taken.