Drivers of Change
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- "Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround. Where and how did it work?" EMCC workshop report
This report presents the main issues discussed at the first workshop "Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround. Where and how did it work?" organized by the European Monitoring Centre on Change(EMCC) in Dublin on May 14-15 2002. Invited were experts who have managed turnaround in businesses in different sectors throughout Europe and the United States.
- Agriculture and the environment in the 10 new EU Member States - implications of applying the common agricultural policy
The report describes the current state of agriculture in the 10 new Member States and three candidate countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey), examining trends and drivers of change and their impact on the environment. It also provides assessments of the consequences that the Common Agriculture Policy may have in terms of agricultural management and environment.
- Agriculture in the Europe of 25 portal
This website of the Directorate General for Agriculture is a portal providing up-to-date information on the agricultural situation in the new Member States. Access is given to documents, studies and reports, fact sheets, country information and conference proceedings. This portal takes over the function of the still existing ‘Agriculture and enlargement’ website that will no longer be updated.
- Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Détergence et des Produits d’Entretien
Based in Brussels, Belgium, the Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Détergence et des Produits d’Entretien (AISE) represents the soap, detergent and maintenance products industry. Its membership encompasses 30 national associations across European countries, plus Australia and Russia. Its portal provides access to a wide range of information, including: documents; reports; projects; activities; news; events and legislation.
- Automation and integration of production processes in shipbuilding
The report investigates how the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding industry could be increased with a new organisation of production, in particular rationalisation as well as horizontal and vertical integration, and with new production technologies, especially automation. It also attempts at making short- as well as long-term suggestions.
- Background information on ICT as a driver of change in the graphics and media sector
This research study examined how information and communication technologies (ICT) have driven change in the graphics and media industries in the areas of competitiveness, work organisation, employment and skills/qualifications over the last ten years. The overview report sets out the themes, scope and definitions for an in-depth analysis of five sub-sectors: equipment and materials suppliers; advertising agencies; printers; publishers and the audiovisual industries.
- Biomedical healthcare industry - what future?
The biomedical healthcare sector comprises biotechnologies dedicated to the treatment of human beings. The first of three articles in the Sector Futures series on biomedical healthcare looks at key features of the sector, including the size and structure of its market, the nature of employment, the main trends and drivers shaping the present and future of the industry and the principal issues and uncertainties at stake in the industry.
- Car sector portal
This portal by the European Commission’s DG Competition provides a comprehensive overview of legislation related to car sales and servicing. In particular, it focuses on regulation 1400/2002, commonly referred to as new motor vehicle block exemption, and car price differentials monitoring within the EU. The portal links to official legal texts, explanatory notes, press releases and relevant research and studies.
- Case studies in the graphics and media sector
These five case studies illustrate from a company perspective to what extent information and communication technologies (ICT) are penetrating the graphics and media sector. They show how five European companies of different sizes and positions in the value chain are coping with the positive and negative effects of change. One common characteristic of the five case study firms - Gopher, Daydream, Sportnews, BBC and Børsen - is that they have all been early adopters of ICT in their processes and products.
- Cement Bureau
Based in Brussels, Belgium, Cement Bureau is the European Cement Association, representing national cement industry associations and cement companies from 25 European countries. The main objective of the association is to promote the industry’s interests. Its website provides information on key issues related to the European cement industry and gives some basic knowledge about cement and its manufacturing. It also provides a link with several technical and commercial publications.
- Changing communication strategies: New roles for mail
This report provides insights into the changes occurring in the communication market of the United States, focusing on the business-to-consumer communication relationships and on the role that mail can play in this evolving situation. The new attitude and requirements of consumers and the new technology context are the driving forces shaping the strategies of the business.
- Chemicals - visions of the future
This article builds on the discussion in the first article on the trends and drivers likely to shape the future of the sector and the challenges it faces in the era of globalisation. In particular, it looks at issues related to employment, innovation, EU regulation - notably the REACH proposal - and the factors influencing relocation of client industries away from the EU. The article also explores four alternative scenarios for the chemicals industry in the light of the main pressures on it, and concludes that the most optimistic one is unlikely to be realised.
- Chemicals portal
This portal by the Directorate General Enterprise serves as a hub for a wealth of chemicals-related information. Of particular note are the links relating to legislation, databases and the 'Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals’ (REACH) programme. Included is the text of the White Paper outlining the European Commission's proposal for regulating the chemical industry within the EU.
- Chemicals policy review portal
This portal is dedicated to the reform process of the existing regulatory system covering chemical substances and their use. It provides several documents, including the response of the European chemical industry to the EU White Paper ‘Strategy for a future chemicals policy’ and the EU Commission’s proposal for the ‘Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulation’ (REACH), as well as the views of other stakeholders on these suggested policies.
- Childcare services in the EU - what future?
Childcare services are at different stages of development in the EU Member States and continue to be one of the fastest growing care markets in Europe. In some of the 10 new Member States, the childcare market is relatively immature and is therefore expected to grow rapidly in the near future. In the former EU15, where childcare services have matured and developed, policy now focuses more on the quality of services provided and on flexibility for parents. This article, the first of three in the Sector Future series on the childcare services sector in Europe, provides an overview of the key trends and drivers shaping the future of this sector.
- Committee of European Securities Regulators
Based in Paris, France, the Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR), established in 2001, has a consultative function on securities regulation. Its portal contains all EU legislation and draft legislation regarding the regulation of the financial markets. It also includes standards, recommendations and guidelines on financial reporting, investor protection etc.
- Competitiveness of the chemical industry sector in central and eastern European countries
This study reviews how the industry in the candidate countries, Bulgaria and Romania, will be able to cope with the competitive pressure of EU membership. The study encompasses a national review of the chemical industry in 10 central and eastern European countries. The national reviews provide a profile of the chemical industry, and data on privatisation and foreign direct investment in the respective countries.
- Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries in Europe
The Brussels based Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries in Europe (CIAA) represents the interests of the European food and drink industry with European and international institutions. Its objective is to ensure industry competitiveness, food quality and safety, consumer and environment protection at European and international level. CIAA members are companies and sector associations of the food and drinks manufacturing industry in the European Union.
- Confederation of European Paper Industries
Based in Brussels, Belgium, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) represents the interests of the European pulp and paper industry to the European institutions. CEPI provides its members with a forum for exchange of information, an industry consultation process and the build up of common positions. Members include national associations from 19 European countries, representing some 900 companies.
- Construction portal
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission is entirely dedicated to construction. The main EU objectives for the construction industry are the improvement of competitiveness through sustainable development and provision of support to acceding Members States. The portal provides access to several sections, including: CE marking; internal market and competitiveness, all in turn leading to relevant research, publications and legislation.
- ConsultingCentral.com portal
ConsultingCentral.com is a commercial portal targeted at the consulting industry and offering publications on sale from Kennedy Information. Available documents include newsletters, research reports, conferences, the consulting magazine, books and directories. Although these products are expensive, executive summaries are often accessible for free.
- Cordis - Community Research and Development Information Service
Cordis is a free service hosted by the European Commission which provides access to a wide range of information on EU research and innovation development activities. It contains information about the Commission's Sixth Research & Development Framework Programmeand how to participate in it.
- Corporate restructuring and research and development: A panel data analysis for the chemical industry
This study deals with the effect of restructuring on research and development investment in the chemical industry. It is based on data collected between 1987-1997 from 535 companies of Europe, Japan and North America. According to the results, restructuring is an important component in changes in research and development (R&D) spending in the chemical industry, although variations across the chemical industry’s segments exist.
- Corporate restructuring and R&D: A panel data analysis for the chemical industry
This study deals with the effect of restructuring on research and development (R&D) investment in the chemical industry. It is based on data collected between 1987-1997 from 535 companies of North America, Europe and Japan. The main finding is that restructuring is an important component of changes in R&D spending in the chemical industry, although variations across the chemical industry’s segments exist.
- DG Enterprise, European Commission
Within the European Commission, the Enterprise Directorate-General is responsible for developing policies and action designed to help create a favourable climate for business and entrepreneurship in the European Union. DG Enterprise has a special focus on SMEs and follows developments across a wide range of sectors.
- Defence industry - visions of the future
This article builds on the discussion in the first article on the trends and drivers likely to shape the future of the sector and the challenges it faces since the end of the Cold War. In particular, it looks at developments in the industry, such as the increasing internationalisation of production, the growing importance of IT companies within the defence sector, and the privatisation of services that were once provided by the military. The article also explores three alternative scenarios for the defence industry illustrating the decisions that need to be made, as well as the implications of these.
- Defence - challenges for the future
This third and final article in the Sector Futures series on the European defence industry sector looks at the major policy issues and challenges facing the sector. It tries to tease out some of the main factors likely to shape the industry, looking at challenges in the area of strategy and security, governance, and technology and industrial restructuring. As the article suggests some possible futures, it is more speculative than the preceding two articles.
- Diffusion of information and communication technologies and changes in skills
This paper examines the impact of increasing use of information and communication technology, especially on skills. It looks at the ICT situation in the UK during the 1980s across 25 industrial sectors. The findings show that ICT has been a major driver of skills upgrading, resulting in an increase in cognitive skills and a decrease in motor skills.
- Digital delivery of business services
This OECD paper looks at the digital delivery of business services including the business consulting services, recruitment and human resource development. Software and IT services are the leaders in digital delivery, but all other business services use it as well, mainly for document exchange and customer service. Some services have a high potential, but the speed and extent of their development will depend on technological, educational and governmental factors.
- Driving forward - futures for the automotive sector from a regional perspective
Anticipating change in the automotive sector and the implications for employment was the subject of a two-day workshop organised by the European Monitoring Centre for Change (EMCC) in Warsaw on 23-24 September 2004. Policymakers and representatives from the social partners attended the event with nearly half the participants coming from the new Member States. Led by expert speakers, they examined the sector’s key drivers and trends and looked at scenarios for further development. Assessing the possible implications for the industry’s structure as well as for employment and working conditions, the workshop produced a number of policy recommendations for private and public sector actors at different territorial levels.
- EC financial services portal
This is the Financial Services portal of the European Commission, including summaries of legislation on general provisions, banking, insurance, securities transactions, financial conglomerates and institutions for occupational retirement. In the framework of the general provisions, the portal links to the World Trade Organisation negotiations for financial services.
- ECaTT - Benchmarking progress on electronic commerce and new methods of work
An information project funded by the European Commission which provides information about new working methods in electronic commerce, with a special focus on practices, projects and schemes across the European Union.
- EMCC dossier on the European textiles and leather sector
Like many other mature industrial sectors, Europe’s leather and textiles sector, has undergone dramatic change over the past 20 years. This EMCC dossier provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces driving change in the sector, using a compilation of relevant reports, company case studies and scenarios to give a comprehensive insight into an industry in transition.
- EMCC dossier on the European railway sector
Since the mid-1990s the railway sector has gone through a period of increasingly rapid change. Much of this is down to a growing demand for transport services, a sustained phase of consolidation due to deregulation and industry reforms, and EU enlargement. This EMCC dossier provides a brief analysis of the trends and drivers of change likely to shape future developments within the sector. It also provides an overview of employment, industrial relations and working conditions in the rail transport sector, highlighting developments in five EU Member States - Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In addition, a series of links to a variety of relevant information sources complements this dossier.
- EMCC dossier on the European textiles and clothing sector
The textiles and clothing industry represents a significant sector of economic activity in world trade and also within the European Union. Due to various pressures for change as a result of consumer developments, technological advances, changes in production costs, growth in retailers’ purchasing power and environmental issues, the European textiles and clothing industry is characterised by being in a state of continuous restructuring and modernisation. Moreover, the dynamics in the industry are currently much influenced by the liberalisation of international trade. These challenges are being faced against a background of relocation of production and activities to low-cost countries, diminishing skilled labour force and ongoing technological change. This dossier examines the current state of the textiles and clothing sector in general, and the specific situation of four leading companies in the field. It examines the role that location plays in textiles and clothing, through an analysis of location decisions and profiles of two major textiles geographical clusters. It also puts forward a number of possible future scenarios for the development of the sector over the next decade.
- EMCC dossier on the European construction sector
Construction is one of Europe’s biggest industries, including the building, civil engineering, demolition and maintenance industries. The sector has an annual turnover in excess of €900 billion and more than 12 million employees in the EU15 alone. This EMCC dossier provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces driving change in the sector, using a compilation of relevant reports, company case studies and scenarios to give a comprehensive insight into a sector facing important challenges today.
- EMCC dossier on the European textiles and clothing sector – Additional sources of information
- EMCC dossier on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) - Additional sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) that may be of interest to the reader.
- EMCC dossier on the commerce sector – Additional sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on the commerce sector that may be of interest to the reader.
- EMCC dossier on the European food and beverage sector - Further sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on the European food and beverage sector that may be of interest to the reader.
- EMCC dossier on the European food and beverage sector
The European food and beverage sector is faced with an unprecedented number of challenges today, leading to an increase in restructuring activity across the EU. These developments are primarily driven by the need to enhance competitiveness and address local and global changes affecting the industry. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping the sector. The information is mainly drawn from recent and original EMCC research, including a sector mapping report, company and cluster studies, future scenarios and foresight work.
- EMCC dossier on the European transport and logistics sector
Transport and logistics are the ‘lifeblood’ of the European economy: levels of growth in transport and levels of economic growth are strongly associated. However, the expansion of transport and logistics activities has resulted in increased congestion on Europe’s roads, cities and ports, undermining the capacity of companies in the sector to reliably deliver goods and services on time, and limiting the possibilities for further expansion. Furthermore, growth in transport has led to rising CO2 emissions, posing a challenge for policymakers who seek to foster economic growth while meeting Europe’s targets for greenhouse gas reductions. These challenges are being faced against a background of uncertainty over rising oil prices, a shrinking labour force and ongoing technological change. This dossier explores the current state of the sector generally, and the situation as experienced by four key companies in the sector. It examines the role that location plays in transportation and logistics, through an analysis of location decisions, and through studies of two major transport clusters. It also presents a number of possible future scenarios for the development of the sector over the next decade.
- EMCC dossier on the European automotive industry
The automotive industry - a pioneer of industrial manufacturing which has weathered the storms of capitalism over the last century - is in crisis as it struggles to keep up with the increasingly rapid changes of the global economy. This EMCC dossier is a compilation of reports, regional and company case studies as well as scenarios, providing an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces driving change in the sector. An ‘interactive map’ showing basic statistics for each country and the main car assembly plants completes the dossier.
- EMCC dossier on the European telecoms sector
In less than two decades, Europe’s telecoms sector has moved from a nation-based industry, monopolised by public telecommunications operators to a free market system, operating on an international scale. The European Commission has played a key role in promoting market liberalisation through its regulatory regime. This EMCC dossier provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces driving change in the sector, using a compilation of relevant reports, company case studies and scenarios to give a comprehensive insight into a continuously evolving industry.
- EMCC dossier on the European energy sector
Energy is vital for the continued functioning of industrial economies; as such, it is a sector that will always play a vital role in Europe’s economy. Moreover, the increasing demand for renewable energy sources – in light of rising prices of fossil fuels and growing calls for international action to reduce emissions of C02 – means that Europe’s energy sector, which has the highest level of use of renewable energies worldwide, has the potential to become the leading global player in an energy ‘renaissance’, with huge potential for employment and exports. However, the European energy sector is facing a number of challenges: renewable energy requires massive long-term investments, for which the capital is difficult to find; rising costs of fossil fuels; geopolitical risks; an ageing workforce and a lack of young people entering technical professions. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping the sector. It provides a mapping report that gives an overview of the current state of the sector, company and cluster studies that look in detail at current practices, and future scenarios that investigate possible outcomes for the sector out to the year 2050.
- EMCC dossier on the financial services sector
The recent financial crisis has brought to light the serious challenges that the European financial services sector is facing. What are the prospects of a viable, more resilient financial industry emerging from the crisis? To answer this question, we need to look at the economic trends in the banking and insurance industries and examine the results of the debate on the regulation of financial markets. Also, a look at the business models that are applied in the different segments of the financial sector as a response to the crisis can help to map the future of the sector. From the present viewpoint, it appears very probable that different approaches will compete in the near future and there will be no clear decision about which is the superior model. The coming years will be a period of testing at the business level as well as at the level of public regulation.
- EMCC dossier on Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS)
The so-called ‘knowledge economy’ has given way to a whole range of new professional activities and occupations referred to as Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). This emerging sector is regarded as a fundamental contributor to EU competitiveness, largely due to its key role in providing non-core services to companies across the economic spectrum. Although a relatively young and unknown sector, its contribution to employment and growth across the EU in the coming years is expected to be paramount in the context of achieving the goals of the Lisbon Agenda. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping KIBS and draws mainly on recent and original EMCC research, including a sector mapping report, company and cluster studies, future scenarios and foresight work.
- EMCC dossier on the European commerce sector
The European commerce sector faces an unprecedented number of challenges: greater competition, complex supply chains, changing demographics, increased migration, changing consumer and media trends and the difficulty of attracting skilled workers to the sector. In addition, the sector also faces challenges from outside Europe – the emergence of Asian economies and ongoing economic out-performance by the US. However, although these challenges pose a threat to some companies in the commerce sector, for others they can offer the opportunity for expansion and growth: many European retail and wholesale companies are improving competitiveness through acquisitions and mergers, the introduction of new technologies, restructuring, and innovations in product lines and human resources. This dossier aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and forces shaping the sector, drawing primarily on recent, original EMCC research. It provides a sector mapping report, company and cluster studies, future scenarios and recommendations for change.
- EMCC dossier on the transport and logistics sector – Additional sources of information
This document lists further sources of information on the European transport and logistics sector that may be of interest to the reader.
- ESOMAR
ESOMAR is the World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research Professionals, representing the industry at European and international level. Its main objective is to globally promote the use of opinion and marketing research in business and society. Its website provides links to industry facts and figures, industry codes and guidelines, events and publications.
- Electronic and electrical business in Finland: forecast 2001-2005
Summary report on the prospects for the Finnish electrical and electronics industry for the period 2001-2005. The report looks at production, product markets, sales activities, exports, labour and the climate for business growth.
- Ethical Investment Research Service
The Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) is a non-profit organisation, set up in 1983, undertaking an extensive research programme on companies’ performance in terms of ethics and conduct. Its research activities are reflected in its online publications, which include a newsletter, annual reviews and guides. It is based in London, UK.
- Euro-Telework
Euro-Telework is a website which contains more than fifty contracts and collective agreements in the area of telework across the European Union. The database provides the full texts of agreements and other documents in their original language and gives access to background papers and other resources in the area of telework.
- European Federation of Management Consultancies Association
The European Federation of Management Consultancies Association (FEACO) is a Brussels based organisation, representing the management consulting associations of European and non-European countries. Its main objective is to promote and develop the profession of management consultancy. It was created in 1960 by four country associations and by 2004 membership had grown to 22.
- European Regulators Group
The European Regulators Group (ERP) for electronic communication networks and services was set up by the European Commission in 2002. Its role is to advise and assist the Commission in consolidating the internal market in this area. It provides a mechanism for cooperation and coordination between relevant national regulatory authorities and the Commission.
- European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies is a partnership between the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe, other international organisations, national governments, and academic bodies. Its portal provides access to a wide range of health-related information, including newsletters, news, articles, books, studies, reports and policy briefs. Its Secretariat is based in the WHO Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- European Environment Agency data service
The European Environment Agency (EEA) data service is a compilation of statistics on environmental issues. Its aim is to make available for general use a wide range of data sets, which contain aggregated data, typically on a country level, with a geographical coverage of at least the 15 European Member States. Information about the source of each data set and its geographical and temporal coverage is provided.
- European Environment Agency: Annual report 2000
The annual report provides an overview of the research work carried out by the European Environment Agency (EEA) over the year 2000. Altogether 2000 is considered to be a year of sound progress in its work with two new regular products launched: the 'Environmental Signals 2000' report monitoring progress and prospects over a broad range of environmental issues, and 'TERM 2000'. The latter is the first report to identify key indicators on transport and environmental integration in Europe, established by the Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM).
- European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries
Based in Brussels, Belgium, and established in 1976, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (Eurofer) represents European steel companies and national federations that account for almost entire steel production at EU15 level. Besides representing the common interests of its members in the dialogue with European and international institutions, Eurofer produces publications, position papers and statistics on steel.
- European transport forum
The European Transport Forum (ETF) is an initiative promoted by an independent consulting group. Started in 2003, the ETF portal provides access to a wide range of information, strictly related to the European transport industry and including official documents by European institutions, news, statistics, studies and reports. Information may be retrieved by aggregation on a transport mode basis.
- European chemicals industry - what future?
The chemicals industry is one of the largest and internationally most successful European industries. The first of three articles in the Sector Futures series on this sector - excluding pharmaceuticals - delineates the chemicals industry sector, looking at its market size, structure and nature of employment. The chemicals sector is capital-intensive and has traditionally enjoyed a comparative advantage in mature industrialised countries. This advantage, however, is now being challenged by globalisation. This factor is explored here, along with other trends and drivers likely to shape the sector’s future.
- European eBusiness market watch
eBusiness W@tch is measuring eCommerce among enterprises, sectors and countries. It is a sectoral tool, monitoring and assessing the maturity of electronic business in 15 European industry sectors. The findings are published in regular sectoral reports and newsletters, while a database of key eBusiness indicators allows for sector and country comparisons. Particular emphasis is given to the SME dimension of eBusiness.
- European Competitiveness Report 2001
The 5th edition of the Commission's Report, focusing on the contribution of ICT and innovation to productivity and economic growth
- Europe’s Information Society portal
This European Commission portal by DG Information Society constitutes the gateway to information related to Information Society issues. Through a thematic structure, it provides links to news, projects, publications, policies and activities on all priority sub-sectors of the eEurope action plan, namely: eGovernment; eBusiness; eLearning; environment; eHealth; communications, content and research.
- European Apparel and Textile Organisation
Based in Brussels, Belgium, the European Apparel and Textile Organisation (EURATEX) represents the European textiles and clothing industry on matters of common interest, relating to decisions or legislation affecting the industry. On this behalf, it acts in cooperation with European institutions. Euratex deals mainly with issues linked to commercial and industrial policies, research and innovation, as well as environmental and social issues.
- European Environment Agency
The European Environment Agency (EEA) is an organisation of the European Commission whose mission is to provide decision makers with the information needed to develop policies in the area of environmental protection and sustainable development. The agency disseminates best practice in environmental protection and technologies, and diffuses, in cooperation with the European Commission, information on the results of environmental research.
- European Investment Bank papers
The European Investment Bank (EIB) papers are the result of detailed research carried out by EIB staff together with contributions from external scholars and specialists. The papers date back to 1996 and are a reliable source of analysis and data with regard to the past, present and future of the European financial environment. Each study is subdivided into different chapters addressing various aspects related to the main theme.
- European Central Bank
The European Central Bank (ECB) is the guardian of price stability in all 12 European countries which have adopted the euro as single currency, also defined as the euro area. Established on 1 June 1998 and located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the ECB is one of the world's youngest central banks. However, it has inherited the credibility and expertise of all the euro area national central banks, which together with the ECB implement the stability-oriented monetary policy for the euro area.
- European Conference of Ministers of Transport
Based in Paris, France, the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) is an international forum for analysis and discussion of transport policy issues by the ministers of transport of all member countries. Established in 1953, this intergovernmental organisation produces and analyses transport information and contributes to the development of transport policies, especially the ones tackling an integrated transport system throughout the enlarged Europe.
- European Commission trade issues portal
This trade-dedicated portal by DG Trade contains information and links about multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations and agreements, DG Trade being responsible for the implementation of the external trade policy of the European Union. The portal provides in depth information on all relevant issues, such as globalisation, key developments in selected sectors and their implications for external trade.
- European contractors survey
This survey includes information on the construction market forecasts. Its sources are Euroconstruct, the pan-European construction forecasting body, and the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC). It includes: key economic data; a survey of the leading European contractors; region by region information and a review of the previous year based on the headlines made by the construction industry.
- European Information Technology Observatory 2002
The European Information Technology Observatory (EITO) 2002 is an annual report which provides data and analysis of ICT developments and their impact in Europe. In progressing towards the e-economy, widespread Internet use is the precondition for e-business to realise greater productivity and competitiveness, as well as new applications and new jobs.
- European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
The Foundation is an autonomous body of the European Union founded in 1975 with a mandate to 'contribute to the planning and establishment of better living and working conditions'. It is a tripartite EU body, whose role is to provide key actors in social policy-making with findings, knowledge and advice drawn from comparative research.
- Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Eurydice is an information network, operating since 1980, which aims to boost cooperation by improving understanding of educational systems and policies. It gathers, monitors, processes and circulates reliable and comparable information throughout Europe. It covers the education systems of all 25 Member States of the European Union and the three EFTA countries that are members of the European Economic Area.
- Family businesses: do they perform better?
This report reviews the literature related to the performance of family businesses. It surveys the key characteristics of family businesses and examines the empirical evidence comparing performance with non-family businesses. Four themes appear salient in linking the key characteristics with the business performance: ownership and control, management strategies and style, long-term view, and human resources. The report stresses the need for a pan-European survey to yield consistent results.
- Fashioning the future: Challenges for the textiles and clothing sector
Anticipating change in the textiles and clothing sector from the perspective of the broad trends and drivers of change - including liberalisation and globalisation of the markets as well as environmental legislation - is the theme of EMCC’s next workshop in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on 16-17 December 2004. ‘Fashioning the future: Challenges for the textiles and clothing sector’ will reflect on strategies for change, and consider survival and growth within the sector in the next 10 years.
- Financial markets as drivers of change at company level: Five case studies
These five case studies illustrate from a company perspective to what extent financial market developments and innovations in the 1990s played a role in driving change. One key characteristic of these changes is the rapid growth in the availability of equity financing. Also key was the emergence of institutional investors as major direct equity owners. While these changes in financial markets enlarged the pool of savings available for productive investments, some observers consider that, through the 1990s, shareholders have increasingly focused on short-term financial and business performance.
- Financial services portal
This portal on financial services, by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Internal Market, includes a variety of documents from all European institutions, classified by topic and referring to: general matters; action plans; cross-sector issues; retail financial services; e-c ommerce; insurance; occupational pensions; payment services; banks; regulatory capital; securities markets and investment funds; financial conglomerates and financial crime and infringements.
- Financial services sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. April 2004 features the third and last article in the series on the future of the financial services sector. It focuses on policy issues for the future of the sector.
- Forest products annual market analysis, 2002-2004
The UNECE/FAO market analysis provides general and statistical information on forest products markets in 2002-2003 and forecasts for 2004 in the UN Economic Commission for Europe region. It contains market developments for wood raw materials, sawn softwood, sawn hardwood, wood-based panels and paper and paperboard. Production, trade and consumption are analysed and relevant developments on specific markets and policies are included.
- French beauty industry: Growth comes from innovation
The performance of the French cosmetics market in 2003 is analysed and commented upon in this succinct but informative article. Starting from a general overview of the sector’s main features, the review identifies the principal factors and driving forces behind the steady growth of a complex and segmented market and its distribution channels.
- Future female - a 21st century gender perspective
This joint report from the Women's National Commission and the Future Foundation in the United Kingdom illustrates the challenges facing UK women into the 21st century. The research method uses a combination of objective (quantitive figures) and subjective (group discussion) data to analyse issues affecting women's lives and predict trends for the future.
- Future of Europe's aerospace industry
This document is a conference report on the future of the European aerospace industry, which was organised by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) in May 2003. The conference dealt with current challenges, such as restructuring, and with the future prospects for the European aerospace industry.
- Gentlemen's dispute or bar room brawl?
This report by PricewaterhouseCoopers analyses the consequences of the block exemption regulation (BER) governing the way in which vehicle manufacturers distribute their products in Europe. The regulation will affect every sector of the European automotive industry: carmakers; dealers; technology suppliers; spare parts producers; repairers; used cars as well as consumers.
- Globalisation and the social contract
A collection of papers presented at a conference by researchers working closely with trade unions
- Globalisation: threat or opportunity?
This historical overview of globalisation in the 20th century looks at the meaning of globalisation, its effect on economic integration and an analysis of its impact on economic growth, on the one hand, and on global income distribution and poverty, on the other. It concludes that the international community should strengthen the international financial system, in order to assist the poorest countries to integrate into the world economy.
- Globalisation: facts and figures
This is a policy discussion paper from the International Monetary Fund, which looks at the economic dimensions of globalisation from the early phases of strong globalisation in the late 19th and early 20th century to post-1950 growth. It focuses on the relationship between trade openness and the rise in per capita incomes; capital market integration; inequality within and across countries; volatility in financial markets; and economic policy responses.
- Globalisation of the automobile industry - traditional locations under pressure?
This study analyses how globalisation - in the form of increasing integration of low-income countries in Asia, Latin America, and southern and central Europe into the global division of labour - has placed increasing competitive pressures on traditional automobile producing countries such as Germany, Japan and the United States. It also looks at the effects of these pressures.
- Hotels and catering - what future?
The first article in the Sector Futures series on the hotels and catering sector sets out by defining the sector, outlining its market size, structure and employment figures. It then looks at the trends and drivers with a significant influence on the sector, raising some uncertainties and issues at stake for the industry and governments. Examples include the impact of technology on operations and labour demand, the current skills gap in the industry and the impact of consumer protection legislation.
- Hotels and catering sector - visions of the future
This second article in the Sector Futures series on the hotels and catering sector looks at the trends and drivers affecting the sector, presents a framework to link them together and assesses their impact. The article also reviews some scenario work relating to the sector before concluding with an examination of the implications on the sector of the drivers and scenarios. Examples of the implications include better working conditions, consolidation and more consumer protection.
- ICT and eBusiness in the food, beverages and tobacco industry
According to the first eBusiness Market Watch newsletter of July 2002, the EU is the world’s largest producer in the food industry. Major changes in the industry are expected from deregulation, food safety and antitrust laws, biological production and new standards for genetically modified foods. Concerning eCommerce in the industry, company websites are marketing-oriented with a limited interactivity while new eBusiness solutions for the food industry are being enforced backwards from the big retailers.
- ICT driving change in the fishing industry: A review of the years 1990-2002
In response to economic and environmental pressures, the European fishing industry has undergone a radical transformation over the past 30 years. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have provided the toolkit for regulators to monitor the industry and thereby promote sustainability, and for the industry to streamline the supply chain and hence introduce measures to promote efficiency. This report examines the impact of ICT at three different levels - macroscopic, microscopic on-board and microscopic on-shore - and describes how these technologies have developed and have been applied, and whether they have driven or managed change in the sector.
- IST 2003 conference workshops report: The opportunities ahead
This is the report of the 2003 Information Society Technologies (IST) Conference held in Milan, Italy. It addresses the opportunities and challenges resulting from: broadband and wireless applications; advanced interfaces using all the senses; grids and peer-to-peer paradigms; the move towards the nano-scale and applications of ‘ambient intelligence’. Also discussed are the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the IST sector.
- Impact of ICT on transport and mobility (ICTRANS)
This report analyses the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the optimisation and demand of transport and mobility services. Three socio-economic areas are considered: living, working and producing. Framework scenarios to 2010 and 2015 are built up to explore diverse possible impacts, complemented by an analysis of appropriate policy options.
- Industrial restructuring in the chemical industry
This report, prepared for the European Commission in 1998, provides a comprehensive analysis of industrial restructuring in the chemical industry. The report looks at developments in the industry’s eight main sub-sectors and provides case studies of several major companies, as well as comparisons between them. Drivers of change and likely trends are highlighted.
- Information and communication technologies sector - what future?
Sector Futures are specialised, targeted reports using findings from existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. December 2003 features the third and last article in the series on the future of information and communication technologies (ICT). It focuses on policy issues for the future of the sector.
- Information Society, structural indicators
Data on level of Internet access of enterprises and households and expenditure on ICT
- Institut de l’Audiovisuel et des Télécommunications en Europe (IDATE)
IDATE is a European consultancy which specialises in the analysis of information and communication technologies sectors. The institute conducts a wide range of studies looking at the impact of market developments, regulations and technologies on the field of telecommunications, media industries and the Internet.
- Institute of Prospective Technological Studies
The IPTS was established in Seville in 1994 and is one of the seven institutions that make up the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The mission of the IPTS is to provide techno-economic analysis to support European decision makers. It monitors and analyses science and technology related developments, looking at their cross-sectoral impacts, interrelationships and implications for future policy development.
- International Federation of Journalists
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is the world's largest organisation of journalists and is based in Brussels. First established in 1926, it was relaunched in 1946 and again, in its present form, in 1952. Today the Federation represents around 450,000 members in more than 100 countries and has 146 unions in 106 countries.
- International Telecommunication Union
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a long-standing international organisation that has developed its role over time to meet the changing requirements of the communication industry. Within its three main areas of activities (radiocommunication, telecommunication standardisation and telecommunication development), ITU sets standards and develops technical documents, manuals, guidelines and reports.
- International Energy Agency
Based in Paris, France, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is the energy forum for 26 member countries, including most of the member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Established in 1974 to prevent the occurrence of oil supply emergencies, it produces and analyses energy information and contributes to the development of energy policies and programmes.
- Job rotation: European models
A report, based on a recent Finnish survey on job rotation in the European Union, examines the operating environment of job rotation and the implementation of projects in 14 Member States. The survey was carried out within the framework of the 'Renewing professional skills through job rotation' (Potkuri) project and partly financed by the 'Adapt' initiative.
- Key developments in the agri-food chain and on restructuring and privatisation in the CEE candidate countries
This report provides an overview of recent developments and trends within the food industries of eight new Member States and two candidate countries, Bulgaria and Romania. It is structured into three main parts: a comparative analysis of trends related to the structure and performance of the sector; country profiles; and a tabular presentation of a wide range of indicators, with 1999 values and trends over the period 1995-1999.
- Knowledge-intensive business services - policies, issues and the future
Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) are among the most rapidly growing sectors of the EU economy, and play an increasingly important role in the performance of client sectors. This third article reviews a range of policy issues that are raised by the three scenarios - outlined in greater detail in the previous article - in relation to the future development of KIBS. As well as outlining major policy responses to these issues, it examines their rationale and the challenges these responses are liable to confront. In particular, the article calls for more explicit consideration of KIBS in innovation policy and in other policy areas.
- Knowledge-intensive business services - what future?
Knowledge-intensive business services, or KIBS for short, represent one of the fastest growing areas of the European economy. The first of three articles in the Sector Futures series on this sector sets out by defining KIBS, which involves distinguishing them from other forms of services and knowledge-intensive activities. It then looks at knowledge-intensive business services in the European Union (EU), highlighting key similarities and differences in their development across Member States. The feature also examines the forces driving the sector’s growth, including issues of outsourcing, the internationalisation of services, and the growth in demand for certain forms of knowledge.
- L'uso delle tecnologie dell'informazione e della comunicazione nelle imprese
A survey by the Italian national statistical office into the use of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT) in manufacturing and services companies in Italy. The study is based on surveys, which were carried out between June and November 2001 and covered all enterprises with 250 or more employees. The total number of enterprises surveyed was around 12,000.
- Main policy areas in eBusiness and ICT portal
A major goal of the Directorate General Enterprise of the European Commission is to create a favourable environment for eBusiness. This portal is fully dedicated to eCommerce and ICT. It presents and discusses the main policy areas of the EU concerning the promotion of eCommerce. It also contains links to news, documents, studies and reports and to other European Union eCommerce related sites.
- Managing restructuring report
This policy paper by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) analyses the restructuring process of the European metal and machinery industries, and makes suggestions on how to manage it in a socially acceptable manner. It calls for an active involvement of workers and their trade unions in all phases of the process.
- Market access database portal
The EU market access strategy aims to reduce the barriers faced by European exporters of goods and services. For this purpose it offers information and legal support. The ‘Market Access Database’ is an operational tool, supporting the exchange of information between EU institutions, Member States and European businesses. It contains trade flow statistics and information about trade barriers and formalities.
- Measuring Globalisation 2001
The impact of FDI on jobs, sales and trade
- Negotiating for the future: Employment and change in the European metalworking industry
This is a resolution adopted in 2003 by the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF). It sets out how unions in the metalworking and electrical industries evaluate, and intend to deal with, the enlargement of the European Union, the strategy of the Federation lying in the expansion of the European Social Model.
- OECD Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard 2001
Internationally comparable data to analyse trends in the knowledge-based economy
- OECD Environmental Outlook
Projections to 2020 of environmental pressures from key economic sectors and changes in the state of the environment for selected environmental issues
- OECD trade directorate portal
This is the OECD website dedicated to trade. OECD aims at a strong framework of international rules for trade, which will contribute to further trade liberalisation. This portal offers links to statistics, country information and numerous publications categorised as follows: consultation with civil society organisations; export credits; trade and agriculture; trade and competition; trade and environment; trade policy; and trade policy dialogue.
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
The OECD is an international organisation grouping 30 member countries, which share a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. The aim is to help governments tackle the economic, social and governance challenges of a globalised economy by providing information, data and statistics and by developing multilateral guidelines.
- Outsourcing of ICT and related services in the EU
Based primarily on an analysis of a body of research covering more than two decades, this report examines the scope of ‘offshore outsourcing’ of ICT services and other ICT enabled services. It defines the term ‘offshore outsourcing’, explores the drivers and trends and analyses related issues such as the distribution of ICT service employment in Europe.
- Overview of the leather industry
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission, provides an overview of the leather industry, including: statistics (structural data, external trade, live animals); industrial and trade policies; directives; a discussion about the impacts of EU enlargement; industry specific contacts with links; as well as relevant documents and publications.
- Partnership-based approaches to learning in the context of restructuring - case studies from the European steel and metal sectors
This paper describes the concept of ‘learning partnerships’ aimed at increasing workers’ skills in the European steel and metal sectors. Recent years have seen a considerable increase in the number of these partnerships as a consequence of restructuring in the European steel and metal industry. This, in turn, resulted in increasing requirements for employee skills. The article is based on research conducted in seven European countries.
- Performing arts - what future?
Performing arts are classified within the broader sector of recreation, sports and culture. The first of three articles in the Sector Futures series on this sector delineates the performing arts industry sector and examines its market size, structure and nature of employment. It then discusses some of the main trends and drivers affecting the sector, as well as the principal issues and uncertainties related to performing arts.
- Postal services portal
This portal by the European Commission’s DG Internal Market provides an overview of the European postal services, focusing on the regulatory framework of the sector and on the standardisation process. It includes links to policy and regulatory documents, sectoral research and studies, news and major stakeholder organisations.
- Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround : Where and how did it work?
This report presents the main issues discussed at the first workshop 'Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround - where and how did it work?' organised by the European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) in Dublin on 14-15 May 2002. Among the invited participants were experts who have managed turnaround in businesses in different sectors throughout Europe and the United States.
- Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround: Where and how did it work?
This report presents the main issues discussed at the first workshop, 'Private equity deals as a chance for business turnaround - where and how did it work?', organised by the European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) in Dublin on 14-15 May 2002. The participants consisted of experts who have managed turnaround in businesses in different sectors throughout Europe and the United States.
- Progress of the World's Women 2000
An examination of the change in social, economic and political position of women around the world from the mid-1980s to the late-1990s.
- Promoting and safeguarding employment in the live performing arts sector
' Innovative developments and good practice that is promoting and safeguarding employment in the live performing arts sector in seven EU countries’ is the final report of research commissioned by the European Commission’s DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and the European Entertainment Alliance. The research focuses on the analysis of innovation and good practices promoting and sustaining employment in the performing arts sector of seven European countries. Case studies from these countries are reported.
- Regional development in the Nordic countries 2002
This report offers an analysis of current regional developments and policies in the Nordic countries, providing a comprehensive picture of recent policy trends and initiatives It also includes an assessment of the impact of EU-funded cross-border, interregional and transnational co-operation programmes on the economic and demographic development of the different countries.
- Restructuring of large companies in Slovakia
This study investigates how and why the majority of large Slovak companies successfully restructured without the help of foreign investors or a government restructuring programme, despite the fact that many of these companies were initially classified as 'non-viable loss makers'. The study is based on 21 case studies of large Slovak companies.
- Sarbanes Oxley Act
The Sarbanes Oxley Act is a very important, though controversial, act, which has changed the ethics and regulation of the auditing business and corporate governance. As a result of the US scandals, it has paved the way for capital market commissions in other countries to issue more stringent rules to control listed companies.
- Sector Futures: Defence industry
- Shipbuilding and ship repair sectors in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia
This study, published around 2000, assesses the effects of European Union accession for five of the then acceding countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) and evaluates the present and future competitive advantage of the shipbuilding and ship repair industries in these countries.
- Social situation in the European Union 2003
This report by DG Employment and Social Affairs of the European Commission, has been published on an annual basis since 2000, concentrating each year on a different topic, health being the key theme of 2003. It provides quantitative and qualitative information on European social and health systems, discusses the areas of social policy concern and includes a set of harmonised social indicators for each EU15 Member State.
- Standing Committee of the European Glass Industries
The Standing Committee of the European Glass Industries (CPIV) was created in 1962 to monitor the activities of the European Community on behalf of the glass industry. Previously based in Paris, it moved to Brussels in 1976. The main objective of the Committee is to coordinate, unify and represent the European glass industry to European Union institutions and national governments. Its members include national and sectoral associations from European countries.
- Strategy for the electronic industry until 2010
This report by the Polish Ministry of the Economy describes the Polish government’s strategy for the electronics industry, adopted in 2003. The report provides a detailed description of the electronic sector in Poland and describes the government’s objectives and proposed course of action for the development of the sector.
- Strategy-based lean production systems in the motor industry
This discussion paper analyses the present situation and future prospects of the Japanese automotive industry. Particular attention is paid to lean production systems (which have been identified as a reason for the success of the Japanese automotive industry), adaptation to environmental changes (such as globalisation) and the future of production technology and work organisation.
- Structural changes in the German metalworking and electrical industries
This study assesses the profound structural changes affecting work in the German metalworking and electrical industries and examines the ways in which employers and employees have responded to them. The study is based on a representative survey. The website provides a brief summary of the study (in German), the full study being available through the ‘Gesamtmetall’ public relations department free of charge.
- Structure, performance and competitiveness of European tourism and its enterprises
This study presents an overview of the tourism industry and related enterprises at European level. Reviewed sub-sectors include: transport; accommodation; tourist attractions; travel organisers and intermediaries, for which an analysis of demand, supply and drivers of change (social, technological, economic, environmental and political) is provided.
- Study on the implications of the 2005 trade liberalisation in the textiles and clothing sector
In February 2004, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Enterprise released this very detailed study, prepared by the Institut français de la mode, on ‘The implications of the 2005 liberalisation in the textile and clothing sector’. The report outlines the current state of the textiles and clothing industry, and provides structural and competitive data analysis covering all 25 EU Member States. It also reviews EU trade partners and competitors and what can be expected from the 2005 market liberalisation of the sector. On this basis, it draws up possible scenarios for the textiles and clothing industry’s future.
- Success stories: Profiles of projects in Europe
A website of the European Commission containing over 500 examples of economic and social development projects that have been carried out with the support of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.
- Sustainable construction - final report
This report examines the sustainability issues for the European construction industry and makes some recommendations on policies. It is the final report of three task groups that were set up following the 1999 Action Plan. The report addresses three main industry issues: environmentally friendly construction materials; energy efficiency in buildings; construction and demolition waste management.
- TEMA database
TEMA is a bibliographic database with information on German and international publications relating to the areas of technology and management. It represents a significant data source for German industry and engineering sciences worldwide. It contains over one million documents covering seven fields, with information on technology, innovations, new products and processes and the development of companies.
- Technology Foresight Ireland
This report from the Irish Information and Communications Technologies Panel assesses the position of information and communications technology in Ireland and puts forward proposals for the next 17 years. It analyses the current impact of ICT across eight sectors, and describes and analyses the different drivers of change: changing technologies, the political climate, competitive trends, the growth of the economy and demographic trends.
- Textiles portal
This is the World Trade Organisation (WTO) portal on textiles. Trade in textiles is experiencing major changes, the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) - the import quota system which has been valid since the 1960s - is being lifted as of 1 January 2005. The WTO textiles portal presents a historic overview of trade agreements on textiles, links for basic trade information, links to reports and documents on the sector and to existing disputes.
- Textiles and clothing strategy group
This is an overview of the textiles and clothing industry by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It contains basic information about the industry and useful links for the leather, carpet, footwear, textiles and clothing sectors. The site also provides links to two interesting studies on national strategies as well as a comparative review of the British and Italian industries.
- Textiles and clothing industry portal
This portal by DG Enterprise of the European Commission provides an overview of the textiles and clothing industry, including: statistics (structural data, external trade); industrial and trade policies; and directives. It also offers a discussion about the impacts of EU enlargement, industry specific contacts and links, as well as a number of relevant documents and publications.
- The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Banking and Insurance Sector
A report of a conference in 2000 organised by UNI-Europa Finance Sector
- The World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance and consists of five distinct institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
- The automotive sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. July 2004 features the last article in the series on the future of the automotive sector. It explores some of the directions that EU policy could take to safeguard the future of the industry and guarantee a cleaner and safer environment for all citizens.
- The biomedical healthcare sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. January 2006 features the complete Sector Futures article series on the biomedical healthcare sector. It sets out by defining the sector, outlining its market size, structure and employment figures, and looks at the trends and drivers shaping the sector. Subsequent articles assess the impact and review some scenario work relating to the sector’s future before concluding with an analysis of major policy issues and challenges facing the industry.
- The childcare services sector - visions of the future
The absence of a common vision and policy for childcare services makes it difficult to assess the sector’s future in Europe, since every Member State has its own childcare agenda. This article, the second in the Sector Future series on childcare services, highlights the broad areas for debate that are likely to be high on the childcare agenda in the future throughout the EU. In addition, it outlines two future scenarios: one in which the EU embraces a vision for childcare and early years services, and another which lacks this vision.
- The childcare services sector - future challenges
This third and final article in the Sector Future series on childcare services focuses on the broad challenges facing the childcare sector in Europe and on the role of the European Commission in the economic and social field, rather than on specific policy issues facing individual Member States. The reason for this focus is that childcare systems and practices in Member States are at different stages of development, both in relation to timing issues and level of maturity. This implies that no one Member State faces exactly the same challenges as another.
- The childcare services sector – what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. April 2006 features the complete Sector Futures article series on the childcare services sector. The first article sets out to define the sector, outlining its market size, structure and employment figures, and looks at the trends and drivers shaping the sector. Subsequent articles assess these factors and review some scenario work relating to the sector’s future, before concluding with an analysis of major policy issues and challenges facing childcare services in the EU.
- The chemicals sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on current foresight studies and reliable data sources. December 2005 features the second and third article in the series on the future of the chemicals sector, excluding pharmaceuticals. The articles explore the trends and drivers likely to shape the sector’s future as well as four alternative scenarios for the chemicals industry in the light of the main pressures on it. The series concludes with a review of the major policy issues and challenges facing the sector, by analysing their timely, geographical and structural impact on the industry, as well as the gender dimension.
- The defence industry sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. June 2006 features the complete Sector Futures article series on the defence industry sector. The first article sets out to define the sector, outlining its market size, structure and employment figures, and looks at the trends and drivers shaping the sector. Subsequent articles assess these factors and review some scenario work relating to the sector’s future, before concluding with an analysis of major policy issues and challenges currently facing the defence industry in the EU.
- The foresighted society
This is the final synthesis report of the Swedish Technology Foresight project which brought together 130 experts from the knowledge community to look at the impact of technology on industry and society and to predict future trends. The study aims to predict technological development in the long term in order to identify worthwhile strategies in education, research and development, which will promote change in a positive way.
- The food and drink sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. The third feature in this series on the food and drink sector (January 2005) discusses the future of Europe’s food and drink manufacturing, exploring policy issues that arise from an examination of trends, drivers and scenarios. The landscape for Europe’s food policies for the future will be shaped by the debate on diet, nutrition and health.
- The future of telecommunications - still in Europe?
Anticipating change in the telecoms sector from the perspective of the broad trends and drivers of change is the theme of EMCC’s next workshop in Montpellier, France, on 26-27 May 2005. ‘The future of telecommunications - still in Europe?’ will reflect on strategies for change, and consider survival and growth within the sector during the next 10 years.
- The future of telecommunications - still in Europe?
Anticipating change in the telecoms sector, and the implications for employment, was the subject of a two-day workshop, organised by the European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) in Montpellier, France, on 26-27 May 2005. Policymakers and representatives from the social partners attended the event, which benefited from significant participation from the new Member States. Led by expert speakers, the participants examined the sector’s key drivers and trends, and looked at scenarios likely to shape future development. Assessing the possible implications for the industry’s structure, as well as for employment and working conditions, the workshop highlighted a number of issues for private and public sector actors.
- The hotels and catering sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. December 2005 features the complete Sector Futures article series on the hotels and catering sector. It sets out by defining the sector, outlining its market size, structure and employment figures, and looks at the trends and drivers shaping the sector. Subsequent articles assess the impact and review some scenario work relating to the sector’s future before concluding with an analysis of major policy issues and challenges facing the industry.
- The health and social services sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. January 2005 features the third and last article in the series on the future of the health and social services sector. The paper examines European level policy responses to some of the factors shaping the sector’s future, and addresses specific policy challenges facing European healthcare systems.
- The impact of REACH on innovation in the chemical industry
This recent paper published in 2003 by the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, analyses the effect of the European Union’s new REACH regulation for the chemical industry on its innovative capacity. The analysis is based on the review of existing regulations, literature and studies.
- The knowledge-intensive business services sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. The second article in the Sector Futures series on the knowledge-intensive business sector explores, in greater depth, the reasons for the sector’s growth and draws up three alternative scenarios for its future development. The third and last article in this series goes on to review a range of policy issues that are raised by the three scenarios and outlines major policy responses to these issues.
- The publishing and media sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. July 2004 features the third article in the series on the future of the publishing and media sector. It focuses on policy issues for the future of the sector.
- The transport sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. The third article in the series on the transport sector (May 2005) explores some of the issues that have arisen from policies of the Commission White Paper 'European transport policy for 2010’, and from subsequent policy documents.
- The textiles and leather sector - what future?
Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. The second feature in the Sector Futures series on the textiles and leather sector explores in greater depth the driving forces likely to shape future developments in the industry. It discusses whether the textiles and clothing industry is 'a dying industry - or not?' in Europe. The third and last article in the series then looks at policy responses currently being pursued at EU level, in order to address the challenges facing the sector over the coming decade.
- Trends in vehicle and fuel technologies: Scenarios for future trends
This is the final report of a study on trends in vehicle and fuel technologies, the main focus being on passenger cars. Trends over the last 20 years are analysed while scenarios are developed up to 2020. For each technology, the report provides the outlook for market share and for a number of policy indicators, such as fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
- UNICE
The Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations in Europe (UNICE) represents member organisations from 27 European countries. Founded over 40 years ago and based in Brussels, UNICE is the main horizontal European organisation of employers' federations.
- White Paper on European transport policy for 2010: time to decide
This document by the European Commission shapes the European transport policy for the next ten years, by proposing a series of measures to be taken at Community level within an action programme extending up to 2010. The paper is based on an integrated approach where pricing measures go along with revitalisation of transport modes other than road and investments.
- White Paper on the strategy for a future chemicals policy
The document contains proposals for the development of a future EU chemicals policy, with the main focus on sustainable development. Key points addressed include: chemical properties, chemical control (REACH system), the role of the industry, and the classification and labelling of substances.
- Women as entrepreneurs in Sweden and the UK
This report provides an overview of women in business in the UK and Sweden, describing the context of women's entrepreneurship, the characteristics of women entrepreneurs, self-employment and SMEs. It gives key facts on business set-ups and government support and shows examples of good practice in both countries.
- World agriculture: Towards 2015/2030
A summary of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) latest assessment of outlooks in agriculture, food and nutrition. It provides long-term perspectives up to 2030, an overview of national and international settings, prospects for major sectors (agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries) and an assessment of the environmental impact of various developments.
- World Trade Organisation
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was established in 1995 as a successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Its objective is to ensure free, fair and predictable trade. It is a multilateral forum to negotiate trade agreements and a place for settlement of trade disputes. The WTO agreements constitute the legal ground-rules for international commerce.
- World Information Technology and Services Alliance
The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the global association of the IT industry. Founded in 1978 as the World Computing Services Industry Association, in 2004 it represents 60 national industry associations accounting for more than 90% of the world market. WITSA is the global voice of the industry, pursuing its interests with international organisations.
- eGovernment portal
This portal by DG Information Society is created in the framework of the overall promotion of the Information Society in Europe. Access is provided to: major EU documents; highlights; general information and good practice about electronic governance; recent research topics and their results; reports on surveys; benchmarking results and indicators; information on conferences and news as well as links to eGovernment sites of individual Member States.
EMCC is a project of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.
Page last updated: 12 October, 2010