Technological innovation is permanent and ongoing, but the rapid pace of technological change and advancement in the 21st Century has brought with it the increased potential for disruptive innovation,or ‘game changing technology’.

Disruption not only happens at a product level, but can also involve the entire process related to its production. This has direct consequences for the working conditions of individuals employed in that area, as well as the broader world of work and society in general.

The new report Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work summarises the findings of five case studies on the likely impact of game changing technologies on production and employment in the manufacturing sector in Europe up to 2025. These are advanced industrial robotics; industrial internet of things; additive manufacturing; electric vehicles; and industrial biotechnology.

The report shows that production processes will become increasingly digital and less mechanical between now and 2025. It also emphasises the importance of data flows and requirements for data manipulation and analysis. In terms of the labour market, employment demand in manufacturing will most likely further shift away from traditional production line work to increasingly higher skilled profiles. These changes create a number of challenges and possibilities for employers and workers alike.

This report was released under the Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME) project, which was proposed by the European Parliament and delegated to Eurofound by the European Commission (DG Grow). 

Report: Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work

Pilot project: Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME)

Technological innovation is permanent and ongoing, but the rapid pace of technological change and advancement in the 21st Century has brought with it the increased potential for disruptive innovation,or ‘game changing technology’.

Disruption not only happens at a product level, but can also involve the entire process related to its production. This has direct consequences for the working conditions of individuals employed in that area, as well as the broader world of work and society in general.

The new report Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work summarises the findings of five case studies on the likely impact of game changing technologies on production and employment in the manufacturing sector in Europe up to 2025. These are advanced industrial robotics; industrial internet of things; additive manufacturing; electric vehicles; and industrial biotechnology.

The report shows that production processes will become increasingly digital and less mechanical between now and 2025. It also emphasises the importance of data flows and requirements for data manipulation and analysis. In terms of the labour market, employment demand in manufacturing will most likely further shift away from traditional production line work to increasingly higher skilled profiles. These changes create a number of challenges and possibilities for employers and workers alike.

This report was released under the Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME) project, which was proposed by the European Parliament and delegated to Eurofound by the European Commission (DG Grow). 

Report: Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work

Pilot project: Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME)

Levels of trust and social tension in society, particularly between people of different socio-economic situations and backgrounds, were high on the agenda during the visit of George Katrougkalos, Greek Minister of State for European Affairs, to Eurofound in Dublin on Thursday 5 April. In recent years people in a number of European countries have reported declining levels of trust, both in relation to institutions and broader society. There has also been increases in perceived levels of inequality in a number of Member States.

Eurofound’s European Quality of Life Survey 2016 provided a good background for the discussions, allowing for comparisons between people in Greece and other Member States in the European Union. Convergence in the European Union was another issue which was emphasised during the visit. The European Union is committed to economic, social and territorial cohesion, balanced economic growth and upward economic convergence. Focusing on convergence of outcomes and performances of Member States and regions, Eurofound monitors convergence among Member States relating to socioeconomic factors, employment, working conditions and living conditions. 

Minister Katrougkalos met with Juan Menendez-Valdés, Director of Eurofound, Stavroula Demetriades, Senior Research Manager, and Mary McCaughey, Eurofound’s Head of Information and Communication. Minister Katrougkalos was accompanied by Ms Katia Georgiou, Greek Ambassador to Ireland, Ms Maria Lentoudi, Minister’s Adviser, and Avgi Katrougkalou.

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire writes about the campaign to remove ‘No Ball Games’ signs and let children play.