TECHNOLOGY - TOYS OR TOOLS - RESULTS OF A DUTCH DELPHI STUDY

The diffusion and use of Advanced Manufacturing Techniques (AMT) in Dutch factories that is expected to Occur at the beginning of the next century, has been analyzed in a Delphi study with 23 Dutch experts. Four possible scenarios for 'factories of the future' were identified; in these special attention was paid to the role that AMT might play. it appeared that AMT would play a different role, depending on the external environment and internal condition, varying from very limited to rather extended. Introducing AMT in these ways should have a positive impact on competitive position of the enterprises, company employment, and the industrial structure.