THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING IN HIGHLY-INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES - A EUROPEAN VIEW

Future scenarios for manufacturing industry are dominated by an increa sing uncertainty. This uncertainty will probably be one of the main ch aracteristics industrialized countries have to face. Rapid changes in the market position are often followed by attempts to copy the current 'winner'. This strategy, however, is short-sighted and will not offer an opportunity to regain the initiative. Support of shrinking industr ies by governmental policy does not provide a long-term perspective, e ither. As a factory location, Western Europe has to face several drawb acks in worldwide comparison. However, it provides promising opportuni ties, as explained in the example of Germany. Environmentally oriented technologies, as promoted by changing values and legislation, may ser ve as a field of economic growth. One decade's experiences with comput er-supported technologies in manufacturing provide evidence that the k ey factor of future success will be the human resource potential. Effi cient use of this resource will determine the future competition in ma nufacturing industries. Based on an example, the new view on the human role in manufacturing is illustrated.