Industrial biotechnology (IB) increasingly shows its potential to disrupt European manufacturing industries, notably by overthrowing existing supply chains and dependencies. IB also introduces new production technologies that allow for materials with added functionality.

The main purpose of the study is to better understand, and allow stakeholders to anticipate and address the impact of new technologies on production processes and work. As such, the three components of the study are:

1. the level of maturity and the scope of applicability of the technologies, in terms of specific subindustries and geographic areas across Europe;

2. the (potential) qualitative impact on the production process including the impact on value chains, business models, productivity and output/products; and

3. the (potential) qualitative impact on work, in terms of employment (e.g. occupations that are emerging or disappearing), tasks (e.g. changes in physical, social and intellectual tasks), skill types and skill levels, education/training needs, working conditions. The study also explores the interactions between companies, industry associations, trade unions, education/training institutions, governments and other stakeholders, during the changes that are affecting manufacturing industries. In short: actions by social partners.