Manufacturing plays a vital role in European economy and society, and is expected to continue as a major generator of wealth in the foreseeable future. A competitive manufacturing industry is essential for the prosperity of Europe, especially in the face of accelerating deindustrialisation. This book provides a broad vision of the future of manufacturing, analysed from a system-management viewpoint and with a special focus on ICT-related matters. Each contribution presents a complex and multidisciplinary research domain from a specific perspective.

The first part of the book gives an overview on technology: past, present and future, while the following topics are introduced in the latter part of the book:

- Product Lifecycle Management

- Sustainable Products and Processes

- Production Scheduling and Control

- Benchmarking and Performance Measures

- Industrial Services

- Human Factors and Education in Manufacturing

- Collaborative Engineering

- Supply Chain Integration

The book is intended to provoke debate, build consensus and stimulate creative discussion, leading to further novel research initiatives in the future.