Technical content/scope: In order to ensure the social well-being of people in the factories of the future, there is a need to redefine the human role in manufacturing. New forms of interaction between process, machinery and human beings need to be addressed in such a way that future factories can be operated profitably, and at the same time provide a stimulating environment for the employees, and make the most from their skills and knowledge through life-long learning. On the basis of these new interactions, manufacturing jobs need to be re-defined and re-engineered and new roles for people in the factory need to be introduced. Cross-discipline studies are needed in order to explore profitable business approaches where the social element in
sustainability can be a key factor to ensure midterm economic success while maintaining a high level of employment, even in a period of crisis.

Those business approaches may require an adaptation of organisational structures and management strategies to take into account social sustainability requirements.

Developments in this area are expected to lead to:

- Work satisfaction of employees within the factories of the future.

- New profitable business approaches benefitting from the relevance given to the importance of social sustainability.

- Sustainable use of human capital (e.g. staff knowledge) in the factories of the future.

Within this context, this Support Action should deliver an assessment of relevant past and current activities in Europe (and worldwide) towards the achievement of social sustainability in manufacturing, a set of recommendations on how social sustainability can be measured and enhanced, a definition of what is necessary to support this in terms of research, i.e. a future research roadmap on relevant S&T themes, a definition of the conditions in a factory and /or in society that are favourable for this purpose, and a relevant pilot case.

Additional eligibility criterion: The EU contribution must not exceed EUR 500 000 and the project duration must not exceed 18 months. No more than one action will be funded.

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Actions (Support actions).
Expected impact:

- Improved understanding of the current situation and future perspectives for social sustainability in European manufacturing.

- Improved synergy among stakeholders around Europe, and community building for future take-up actions.

- Facilitation of a structured approach to promote social sustainability for the European factories of the future.