Proceedings of FSWKS_06 conference abstracts

Change processes and future perspectives in the knowledge society. Results from European surveys

Title

"Change processes and future perspectives in the knowledge society. Results from European surveys"

Author

Tobias Woll
(IET, FCTUNL, Monte de Caparica, Portugal)

Main focus of the presentation is the relevance of existing European organisation surveys and future studies for the analysis of changes in work in the knowledge society. To understand future trends in the fields of work structures and work organisation it is important to identify at first the current trends of change processes. For this reason, the presentation will concentrate on both present and future trends of change. The talk will outline major trends, drivers of change and future prospects in textile industry, automotive industry and investment goods industry.

In a first step, the presentation will give an overview on existing organisation surveys conducted in different European countries and at the European level. These surveys can be used as a basis for secondary analysis of changes in work. To exemplify, findings of one survey will be presented, which has focused on innovations in production and manufacturing. In a second step, the presentation will illustrate results from foresight and future studies conducted by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin), which have surveyed the future development of different industrial sectors. 

Key-words:

Knowledge society, work organisation, organisation surveys, foresight.