Although there is a wide-spread belief that low-cost companies will gain market share over more expensive competitors there are considerable opportunities for more expensive producers/service providers as long as they provide a certain value-added for their customers, i.e. customized products as well as services and at the same time much faster delivery.

Improving knowledge within manufacturing as well as service providing companies can shorten their delivery lead times, improve their service level and thus substantially increase their competitiveness. This will not only help to keep jobs in Europe but also contribute to the scientific field of Operations Management, Service Operations Management as well as Supply Chain Management.