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- Achieving gender balance - strategies for competitiveness
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored corporate practices leading to a better work-life balance for women and men, while also contributing to enhanced competitiveness and human resource management models in European countries. The seminar ‘Achieving gender balance - strategies for competitiveness’ was held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 18-19 November 2004. Four companies from Portugal, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom (an SME in publishing and printing, a public/private consultancy firm, a multinational of the food and drink sector and a public health authority) presented both professional and personal experiences to an audience of 42 participants from 14 EU countries.
- 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.
- Alliance for work safety in the German dry-cleaning industry
This article reports on a risk-prevention success story in the area of accident and occupational disease within the dry-cleaning industry. The story is also an example of a collaborative partnership in Germany between public and private stakeholders: the Hamburg Occupational Health and Safety Office and the Hamburg Association for Environmental Protection in the Dry-Cleaning Sector.
- Association of European Automobile Manufacturers
Based in Brussels, Belgium, the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) represents the interests of 13 European car, truck and bus manufacturers. Further 17 organisations are associated. It was established with the aim of providing a common representation in Brussels, upon recognition of the increased importance of the European Union. The association produces publications, position papers, statistical data and press releases.
- 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.
- Avignon E Journal
Avignon Eis an online journal with articles on subjects related to small and medium sized and craft enterprises. It is produced by the Avignon Academy, a European research organisation whose role is to offer support to entrepreneurial enterprise through developing initiatives and undertaking studies. The themes covered include entrepreneurship, management practices, regulation and legislation, employment and labour issues, education and training, and local development.
- 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.
- Business resilience - anticipation as the key to sustainable business success
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored two distinct but related aspects of resilience: ‘anticipatory resilience’ and ‘crisis management resilience’. The seminar ‘Business resilience - anticipation as the key to sustainable business success’ was held in the VNO Management Centre ‘De Baak’ in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, on 2-3 June 2004. Four companies from France, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, representing different sectors (packaging, transport, hotel, pharmaceutical), presented their observations and strategies to an audience of 35 participants coming from 11 EU Member States.
- COLIS database
Colis is a comprehensive online database library of case material in the field of management. The collection includes management case studies, case study reviews, notes on the case methodogy for teachers and students, and a full bibliography of study and reprint materials.
- 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.
- Case studies in the textiles and leather sector
As with other mature industry sectors in Europe, the leather and textiles sector has undergone dramatic change over the past twenty years. The EMCC has commissioned eight case studies within the sector in Europe, aimed at showing how change is perceived in different companies. The studies outline how companies in the sector are currently positioning themselves and dealing with the positive and negative effects of change in the face of increasing globalisation and competition.
- 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.
- Collective Bargaining Europe
A website managed by the European Trade Union Institute, which provides information on recent developments in collective bargaining in Europe. It contains country reports on bargaining developments from all EU countries and some of the candidate countries.
- Collective agreements for employment and competitiveness
In 1998 the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions launched an investigation into the nature and extent of so-called 'pacts for employment', in the framework of a research project called 'Collective agreements for employment and competitiveness'. The results of this project, including a concept paper, research reports and case studies, are available through the Foundation's website.
- 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.
- Cordis Textiles Thematic Group
The Cordis Textiles Thematic Group is an initiative within the Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) network, created by the European Commission in 1995. The centres assist in the transfer of innovative technologies to and from European companies and research departments. With IRCs throughout Europe, this network forms a leading European body for the endorsement of technology partnerships and transfer, mainly between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Within this structure, the Cordis Textiles Thematic Group is meant to be an efficient sub-network dedicated to textiles.
- 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.
- CosmetLex: The rules governing cosmetic products in the European Union
This report, by the European Commission’s DG Enterprise and published in 1999, provides baseline information on the European cosmetics legislation (Council Directive 76/768/EEC and Commission Directive 95/17/EC) on the methods of analysis to test the composition of cosmetic products removed from the market and on the guidelines for testing of cosmetic ingredients.
- 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.
- Direct participation
Over a six-year period the Foundation's 'Employee Participation in Organisational Change' (EPOC) research project has charted developments in the changing world of work, most significantly in the area of work organisation. The Foundation's website provides an overview of the project and gives access to the products resulting from this research.
- Driving forward - futures for the automotive sector from a regional perspective
Anticipating change in the automotive sector from the perspective of key drivers - including technology, regional investment and support, and geographies of production - is the theme of EMCC’s next workshop in Warsaw, Poland, on 23-24 September 2004. ‘Driving forward - futures for the automotive sector’ will also examine possible effects on employment and work organisation, particularly for SMEs in the automotive supply chain, and how regional policymakers might respond.
- 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 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 industrial restructuring
Industrial restructuring is a striking feature of Europe's economic landscape today. There is wide agreement among employees, social partner organisations and policymakers at all levels that the way industrial restructuring is managed can, and must be improved. A rich body of policy initiatives, conceptual material and practical experience is available, identifying the main issues and challenges governing industrial restructuring. This EMCC dossier aims at presenting a selection of relevant data sources in a systematic way. It reveals the principles of, and various approaches to, corporate restructuring. A series of links provide access to a wide variety of relevant information sources.
- 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 Anticipation workshop: Commerce at the Crossroads – the future of the commerce sector in Europe
Dublin 19-20 November 2007
- Employment, industrial relations and working conditions in the European rail transport sector
For over a decade, the European rail transport sector has undergone extensive structural change. The consolidated report provides an overview of employment, industrial relations and working conditions in the sector. In addition, five country profiles of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom examine overall development and market trends in the sector, as well as structure and performance of the main companies.
- 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 Institute of Public Administration
The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), with headquarters in Maastricht and satellites in Luxembourg, Barcelona and Milan, is an independent institute carrying out training and research on public administration and European policies. Created in 1981, it provides services to develop the capacities of public officials in dealing with EU affairs. Its board includes representatives of the European Commission and of European Member States.
- European Work Organisation Network (EWON)
The European Work Organisation Network (EWON) was established by the European Commission in order to foster competitiveness, employment and quality of working life. EWON members come from the 15 EU Member States and contribute studies and good practice experience in the area of work organisation from their national backgrounds.
- European Trade Union Institute
The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) is a research institute founded in 1978 on the initiative of the European Trade Union Confederation. The ETUI provides research findings in the areas of europeanisation of industrial relations and employment, labour market and social policy.
- 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.
- Exchange events in 2004
The European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) will continue to develop its Company Network in 2004, with a new series of exchange events. These events offer a dynamic forum where managers, employees and their representatives, as well as policymakers and researchers, can examine change at the point of impact - the company level. The topics for 2004 include, ‘Business resilience - anticipation as the key to sustainable business success’, ‘Gender balance - a key to resourcefulness’ and the future prospects of the European textile sector and the automotive industry.
- Financial market integration in the euro area
This 2003 working paper by the OECD’s Economics Department is of particular relevance to Europe and to its effort to unify the regulatory framework for financial markets. It analyses the driving forces shaping financial market integration: global developments; advances in information technology; decreasing communication costs; and standardisation of products. While reviewing the most relevant segments of financial markets, the paper also identifies the remaining fragmentation of the European markets.
- Framework agreement on telework
This European-level framework agreement on telework is a landmark achievement in social dialogue, heralding a new form of work organisation. The declared goal of the agreement is to achieve a balance between flexibility and security. This is the first agreement between the European social partners to be implemented by national member organisations.
- Freelance journalists: Economically dependent or self-employed?
With the support of the European Commission, the European Federation of Journalists and its Freelance Expert Group organised a survey on the social and legal conditions of freelance work. The aim is to assess the situation of freelance journalists in Europe against the background of a European Commission initiative to consider social protection schemes for economically dependent workers, the so-called 'false freelances', or persons who work primarily for one employer.
- 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.
- Gibt es einen europaspezifischen Entwicklungsweg in der Automobilindustrie?
This dicussion paper, published by the Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB), examines the hypothesis of a distinctive European-based model for the automotive industry. It assesses the supporting and undermining arguments of such a model, and concludes by agreeing on the course of action taken in the restructuring of the supplier industry. While acknowledging that the recent positive developments in Europe’s automotive sector owe much to this restructuring process, the article points out some of the risks associated with it.
- 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.
- Hairdressing and beauty industry authority
The Hairdressing and beauty industry authority (HABIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation established in 1997. Responsible for setting and raising standards in training and in the professional development of the beauty industry at national level, its portal is a reference for industry stakeholders, enabling them to remain updated on workforce and professional developments. It is based in Doncaster, United Kingdom.
- Hotels and catering - policies, issues and the future
The third and last article in this series on the hotels and catering sector draws on the first two to present the major policy issues and challenges facing the industry. The analysis considers the time profile of each major issue and how it affects regions, businesses and the sexes. The policy issues identified include working conditions and human resource development, legislation and new technologies.
- 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.
- Inclusion of ageing workers: Four company case examples
The European population is ageing. Measures to reduce the burden of work should be able both to help prevent premature wear and tear on employees who are still young, and to make work easier for older workers. The four company case examples have addressed these issues by rethinking work organisation, adapting working time schedules, training and recruiting older employees. The companies operate in different sectors - electrical, financial services, health and steel - in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
- 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.
- International Federation of Musicians
The International Federation of Musicians (FIM), founded in 1948 and located in Paris, France, counts 72 unions as members throughout the world. Its main objective is to represent and defend the economic, social and artistic interests of musicians organised in trade unions. Its portal provides access to reports, news and links relevant to the sector.
- 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.
- Knitting the future of the textiles and leather sector: Four scenarios
This report uses four scenarios to explore future developments in the European textiles and leather sector. Its aim is to present a scenario analysis that may be used as a vehicle to develop long-term perspectives to optimise the European textiles industry and the sustainable development of its workforce. First the report reviews the scenario-building process. Each scenario then paints a very different picture of the possible Europe of 2010, highlighting various aspects.
- 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: Trends and scenarios
This article builds on the first article’s discussion on the rise of the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector, the reasons for its growth and the nature of the contemporary landscape of KIBS. It reviews a limited number of earlier studies that have attempted to identify drivers of quantitative and qualitative change in KIBS, and explores three alternative scenarios for the future development of the sector in coming years.
- 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.
- Lavoro flessibile: Che cosa pensano davvero imprenditori e manage
The report 'Lavoro flessibile: Che cosa pensano davvero imprenditori e manage' (Flexible work: What do entrepreneurs and managers really think?) presents the results of a research survey on labour flexibility carried out in Italy on the basis of interviews with 500 businesses. It offers a different perspective on flexible work organisation, looking at the characteristics of flexible work and the reasons for using this kind of labour, through a direct approach to entrepreneurs and managers.
- 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.
- Milk and milk processing industry in Lithuania: An analysis of horizontal and vertical integration
This paper analyses the evolution of the restructuring and re-orientation processes of the Lithuanian dairy sector, focusing on the two aspects of product quality and chain management. Major developments in production, consumption and foreign trade since the beginning of the 1990s are summarised, tendencies towards vertical and horizontal integration of the milk processing industry segment are reviewed and case studies presented.
- Offshore outsourcing of business services - threat or opportunity?
‘Offshore outsourcing of business services - threat or opportunity?’ is the theme of EMCC’s first 2005 company network seminar in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17-18 March. The seminar aims to provide a better understanding of this growing phenomenon and what motivates leading companies to undertake such a practice. Four company case examples will offer an insight into corporate management strategies associated with ‘offshore outsourcing’ and the implications for job losses and employment creation within the EU.
- 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.
- Promoting gender equality in the workplace: Two company case examples
Corporate strategies are nowadays considered critical in the promotion of gender equality in the workplace. Promoting an equality sensitive approach in human resource management is still a major challenge for companies and policymakers. The two company case examples operate in the financial services sector with their headquarters in the Netherlands. Both companies have put strategies in place to improve the representation of women at higher-level positions by facilitating flexible working hours and contributing to childcare costs.
- Regulatory authorities in south-east Europe
This report is part of the stability pact for south-eastern Europe, and focuses on the role of the regulatory systems within the restructuring of the energy and telecommunications sectors of south-eastern European countries. Both policy and institutional issues are addressed; an overview of the utility sectors in these and other OECD countries is provided, together with a description of existing regulatory authorities in terms of resources, independence, accountability and coordination.
- Responsible management - a total approach
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored company strategies aimed at a total responsibility approach to management. The seminar 'Reponsible management - a total approach' was held in Lyon, France on 15-16 April 2003. Four companies from Finland, France and the United Kingdom presented their approach and experience to an audience of 40 participants representing different stakeholders from companies from 10 EU Member States.
- Restructuring for growth and job creation
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored company strategies for business growth and how these are related to job creation. The seminar ‘Restructuring for growth and job creation’ was held in Stockholm, Sweden on 11-12 June 2003. Four companies from France, Italy, Norway and Sweden, representing different sectors (pharmaceutical, construction, graphic arts, transport logistics), presented their approach and experience to an audience of 25 participants from eight different EU Member States.
- 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.
- Scenarios: The art of strategic conversation
A book on scenario building which uses the business ideaas a primary tool for creating scenarios, which can serve as an instrument for anticipating and managing change in companies. The business ideais a sketch map of an organisation's value-creating system.
- Scenario for developments in the graphics and media sector
In situations of uncertainty dominated by a high speed of change, scenario and foresight methods are ways of creating comprehensive and plausible views of alternative futures. As part of its work to examine the drivers of change in the graphics and media sector, EMCC has commissioned experts to anticipate future scenarios which could serve as a basis for informed discussion and debate in workshops. These also link to current policy approaches in the area of the knowledge society and e-learning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Future of Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) in Europe - unlocking the potential of the knowledge based economy
This anticipation workshop, to be held in Helsinki on 23-24 November 2006, will present the research findings of an EU-wide study commissioned by the EMCC. The study analyses the main trends and key drivers of change, as well as their impact on the structure and performance of the European Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) industry as well as their political, economical and social consequences. The event will bring together European companies, social partners, policymakers and sectoral experts. Through the use of scenario techniques and group work participants will jointly reflect on and exchange their experiences. They will also be encouraged to identify actions for further development, innovation and growth within the sector. The workshop is organised by the European Monitoring Centre on Change (EMCC) www.emcc.eurofound.europa.euand hosted by the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) www.ek.fi.
- 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 impact of ICT on Europe’s fishing industry: a case study approach
This report presents the key issues facing the fishing industry today. A series of company case studies provides the backdrop for assessing the role of ICT as a driver of change in the fishing industry. The case studies were selected to reflect a varied range of companies operating in the European fishing industry: from a company that is diversifying its activities in order to remain competitive to a supermarket chain that has brought its knowledge and experience from the retail food sector to bear on the fishing industry. In all cases, ICT has been used in different ways, both as a stand-alone system and as a more sophisticated integrated systems approach.
- 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 workplace of the future - managing the challenge of an ageing workforce
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored policies and practices associated with managing an ageing workforce. The seminar ‘The workplace of the future - managing the challenge of an ageing workforce’ was held in Vienna, Austria, on 4-5 March 2004. Three companies from Austria, France and Germany, representing different sectors (steel, electronics, financial services), and the Finnish Ministry of Labour presented their approach and policies to an audience of 60 participants coming from 12 EU Member States.
- The workplace of the future - managing the challenge of an ageing workforce
An open exchange of experiences will provide the backdrop for the first EMCC company network seminar in 2004 on ‘Managing the challenge of an ageing workforce'. This two-day event will take place in Vienna on 4-5 March 2004. It will explore the challenges faced by companies in terms of managing their human resources in a period of demographic decline and increasing life expectancy.
- Transforming organisations: have you a case to share?
An open exchange of experiences will provide the backdrop for the next EMCC company network seminar on 'the importance of leadership and culture in managing change'. This event will take place in Madrid on 23-24 September 2003. What is organisation culture and why is it important with regard to change? How can good leadership and an appropriate culture help to achieve successful transformation?
- What future for the European administrative space?
This report by the European Institute of Public Administration investigates the increasing degree of cooperation between the public administrations of the European Member States, what can be referred to as the ‘European Administrative Space’. The relevance of the economy and the tendencies of globalisation affect the functioning of the public administrations.
- 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.
- Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work
In a seminar organised for members of its Company Network, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions explored sustainable strategies related to the implementation of new forms of work organisation. The seminar ‘Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work’ was held in Bologna, Italy, on 27-28 June 2005. Four companies - Volvo Cars Ghent (Belgium), HERA (Italy), the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (the Netherlands) and Grundfos (Denmark) - presented their company strategies and assessed the experiences they had made in terms of workplace innovations. In an active and lively debate, 48 participants from 15 EU Member States discussed the conditions, impact, limitations and policy implications of changing work systems.
- Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work
‘Workplace innovation - fostering productivity and quality of work’ is the theme of the next EMCC company network seminar co-hosted by the Fondazione Instituto per il Lavoro, which will be held in Bologna, Italy, on 27-28 June 2005. The seminar will explore the relationship between new work organisational models in companies and their impact on productivity levels and human resources developments. Some four company case examples will offer an insight into innovative corporate management practices enabling companies to improve operational and financial outcomes, while also reducing turnover and enhancing quality of work.
- 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